Lines by Corporal W. A. Gardner, 1St Royal Montreal Regiment, Canadian Contingent: ―
A soldier lay on the battlefield: ―
As he heard the cannons roar,
He thought of his loved ones far away,
And he thought of that golden shore.
He looked at his wounded comrades,
As here and there they lay,
And, as he closed his eyes in peace,
These words they heard him say:
“The battle now is over,
And the victory is won;
I am going home to Jesus,
Who loves us every one.
I am far away from the homestead,
Alone in a foreign land;
I have heard the voice of my Saviour,
I have felt the touch of His hand.
“Put on the gospel armor;
Leave every flag unfurled;
Tell of the love of Jesus, ―
Tell it to all the world.
Tell them there is a mansion
Prepared for us on high; ―
I hear the angels calling,
I wish you all GOODBYE.”
These words they tell the story
Of a soldier’s love for God,
Who fought for King and Empire,
Now underneath the sod.
His soul is safe in heaven,
The Master called him home,
There are flowers forever blooming
From the seed that he has sown.