He said, “Remember, love, I go
To keep our flag from shame.”
It seemed so like a pleasure prank,
“The boys” were going too;
There was Mac, and Van, and Frank,
And almost all the crew
That went yachting long ago;
And the flag then floating from the mast,
They swear shall be their country's last,
Or death shall lay them low.
Now Heaven be with those noble boys,
Who, at their Country's call,
Leave stern pursuits and happy joys,
And home, and friends, and all,
For the banner of the free.
God speed them all who thus defend
Their country's cause, and safely send
My husband back to me.
--N. Y. Tribune, May 4.