Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By GeorgeLunt

314 Requiem

BREATHE, trumpets, breathe

Slow notes of saddest wailing,—

Sadly responsive peal, ye muffled drums;

Comrades, with downcast eyes

And banners trailing,

Attend him home,—

The youthful warrior comes.

Upon his shield,

Upon his shield returning,

Borne from the field of honor

Where he fell;

Glory and grief, together clasped

In mourning,

His fame, his fate

With sobs exulting tell.

Wrap round his breast

The flag his breast defended,—

His country’s flag,

In battle’s front unrolled:

For it he died;

On earth forever ended

His brave young life

Lives in each sacred fold.

With proud fond tears,

By tinge of shame untainted,

Bear him, and lay him

Gently in his grave:

Above the hero write,—

The young, half-sainted,—

His country asked his life,

His life he gave!