The Old Soldier's Prayer

The main circumstances related in the followinjf linea, writteo by a gentlemon in one of the departments, actually occurred: By the wnyside lat poor old mn - He was conrseU and meanly ciad; He hnd journeyed far without food or reit. And was wenry, and faimt, and ad. Hit loaks were white as the driven snow, And hit brow it wai wrinkled o'ar; H howed neaih the weight of many years. For he counted fourscore and more. A rough-wrought staffin each hand he bore, A support lor his tottcring frame. And I saw, er he seated hiinself to rst, He was crippled and very lame. My aged friend, irbat hi th brought you here?' I appronehed him and kindly aaid; Would you risit the grave of Washington- The torab of the mighty deadt' 'Oh nol I have ecme long, long way.' He an-wered with trembling voice; 'To eunsel ihe liying in yonder Houe, And him of the people's choiee. 'Do you see that building with lofty domet' He pointed with earnest air; 'They teil me it is the Capiiol, And I would that I now were there. 'My days are short and I haste to see The men who assemble there: I've fought and bied in my oountry's oause. And ihey'll surly grant my prayw. Strangptalk I'r he-rd in my natire Stat Whire Sumpter and Marión dwelt; Ohl the pain it hath brought to my aching heart None hnTe erer so piercingly feit.' He paused, and hi withered face grw pale. And the tears couraed down hischeek; Ho choked, but the fearful word I knew H tried, but in Tain, to speak. I p-ieved not his troubled heart to seoths, ,, But dibunion dwelling on - 'Ohl d" not let it be done!' he cried, 'üntil I ana dead and gonel' Washington D C.