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Show HIS MOTHER'S SONGS. Dcnoath tho hot mldsummor sun The men tutd marched all day; And now bosldo a rlppllni; stream, Upon tbo grass they lay. Tiring of games and Idlo Jests, As swept tho hours nlonir, They catlcd to one who mused apart, "(Jomo, friend, givo us n song." "I f oar I cannot please." ho said; "The only songs I know Aro thoso my mother used to sing For mo long yours ago." "Slngono of those," a rough voice cried, 1'nero's nono but truo men here; To every mother's son of us A mother s sungs uro dear." Then swoetly roso tho singer's voice Amid unwonted calm, "Am I a soldier of tlio cross A follower of tho Iambi "And shall I fear to own his causot" Tho very fctreum was stilled, And hearts that nover throbbed with foar With tender thoughts wero tilled. Ended this song, tho sicker said, As to his fcot ho rose, "Tiinnks to you all, my friends; good night, Uod grant us swect'reposo " "Sing us one moro," tho captain begged; The soldier bent his head, Then glunclng 'round with smlllne lips, "You'd Join with mo," ho a!d. "Wo'U sing this old familiar air, Hweot ns the buglo cull, 'All ball tho power of Josus' name, Lot angols prostrate fall.' " Ah 1 wondrous was the old tuno's spell, As on tho singer sang, Man after niun fell into lino, And loud tho voices rang I Tho songs aro done, tho camp Is still, Naught but thostronm Is heard; Hut nli t tho depths of overy soul Uy thoso old hymns uro stirred. And up from many a boarded lip, In whlsiwrsooft nnd low, Hlsos thrf nroypr tho mother taught Tho boy long years ugo. Chicago Intor-Occan |