A Solider's Hymn

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 12, 1 September 1900, Page 902

A Solider's Hymn

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I watched the red sun setting till it stung my failing eyes So I turned me to the eastward, though I'll never see it rise. For I seem to have done with labour in this narrow world below, Hark : the Voice of God is calling — I must leave my gun and go. Now the moon is shining coldly, like a lonely, frozen lamp, Through the river mist that's rising, soft and white, but cold and damp. And I hear the river singing very faint, and sweet, and low, But a stronger voice is calling, and He waits for me to go. I can see the dead Battalions, as they swing across the sky, I can hear their trumpets braying, see their battle colours fly, Now they halt, and call, and beckon; 'tis for me their trumpets blow — It's the Dead Battalions calling— l must leave my work and go. Through the Last War Drum's dull throbbing, and its quivering, beating roll, I. can hear a woman sobbing, who is praying for my soul. But the mists are all aronnd me, and the river far below, And the Voice of G-od has called me. Comrades all, farewell, I go. Quilp N.