Only page of title Very Easy
291
5
A Soldier! --
A Soldier! --
I want to be a Soldier, with a sabre in my hand
Or a little carbine rifle, or a musket on my shoulder,
Or just a snare-drum, snarling in the middle of the band;
I want to hear, high overhead, The Old Flag flap her wings
While all the Army, following, in chorus cheers and sings;
I want to hear the tramp and jar
Of patriots a million,
As gayly dancing off to war
As dancing a cotillion.
The battle! --
The battle! --
I want to see the battle, and be in it to the end; --
I want to hear the cannon clear their throats and catch the prattle
Of all the pretty compliments the enemy can send! --
And then I know my wits will go, -- and where I _should'nt_ be --
Well, there's the spot, in any fight, that you may search for me.
