An' de sad, glad recollection
⁠Brought a strange thrill to my soul,
'Memberin' how his affection
⁠Gave joy in a barren wul':
As I thought then, my mind goin'
⁠Back to mem'ries, oh so dear,––
As I felt de burden growin',
⁠Jes' so shall I write it here.

We were once more on de drill-ground,
⁠Me so happy by his side,
One in passion, one in will, bound
⁠By a boundless love an' wide:
Daily you would see us drinkin'
⁠Our tea by de mess-room door,
Every passin' moment linkin'
⁠Us togeder more an' more.

After little lazy leanin',
⁠Sittin' on de window-sill,
Me would start our carbine-cleanin'
⁠For de eight o'clock big drill:
To' me he be'n always ready,
⁠An' as smart as smart could be;
He was always quick, yet steady,
⁠Not of wav'rin' min' like me.

When de time was awful dull in
⁠De ole borin' Depot-school,
An' me face was changed an' sullen,
⁠An' I kicked against de rule,
He would speak to me so sweetly,
⁠Tellin' me to bear my fate,