Home On A Furlough

"Papa's coming home on a ftirlough, lnirrali! Mamma says lie'll be here to-night ; [rali!" Three cheers and a tiger wé'll ive hini, hurCried Willie, in boyish delight. And a gay little group to welcome papa, They stood by the old homestead gate, Mamma in the midst with the two year old pet. - In joyful expectance they wait. "He's coming!" tliey cry, with a gladsomc liuzza, And son flnshed wilh joy lie a])pcars ; Ah! then there were grectings so tender and fond, And smiles intermingled with tears. A heïo lie looked in liis soldier attirp, Thonah only a private forsooth; Yet never a beart 'neath an oflicer's garb Possessed more of courage and truth. Too swiftly (he days of bis furlougli speed on; Stern duty recalls hini to anus; Alas for the mother, her spirit is sore, Her beurt filled with piercing alarais. There are tears in the eyes of bis cbildren, too, Ah me, 'tis indeed a sad fato; God pity and comfort these desolate ones, And help tliem in patience to wait. Our loved ones are falling to save our dear land; True patriots, thousands have bied; 0 Fathei! sustain and protectall the henrts Crushed to earth in this hour oí' dread.