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Home once more with the warfare done,
And the faith well kept and the victory won;
Home to rest at the mother’s knee,
Home to the sister who trusted me,
Home to the walls that with music ring—
What sweeter song can a soldier sing?

Home to them that I love the best,
Home to the nights that are sweet with rest,
Home to the friends that are staunch and true,
Home to the red and the white and blue,
Home, where honor is crowned the king—
What sweeter song can the soldier sing?

The lanes were strange that I trod by day,
And sad were the faces along the way;
I longed for the country of friendly men,
And now I am nearing its shores again.
Let bugle and trumpet gaily sound
The joy of a soldier homeward bound!

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