Compelling passages, notable quotables, bon mots, disjecta, ephemera, and miscellany. Upon a hill he turned, To take a last fond look Of the valley and the village church, And the cottage by the brook. He listened to the sounds So familiar to the ear, And the soldier leant upon his sword And wiped away a tear. … He turned and left the spot, Oh! do not deem him weak, For dauntless was the soldier’s heart, Tho’ tears were on his cheek. Go watch the foremost ranks, In danger’s dark career. Be sure the hand most daring there Has wiped away … Continue reading Commonplace Book: The Soldier’s Tear