The Contented Wife, with the Husband's Answer/The Soldier's Return

by Anonymous

For other versions of this work, see The Soldier's Return (Unknown).

Text divider from 'The Contented Wife, with the Husband's Answer', a chapbook printed in Glasgow in 1802

THE SOLDIER'S RETURN.

When rous'd by the trumpet's loud clangor to arms,Reluctant I quitted Eliza's bright charms;Tho' honour commanded, yet love fill'd my mind,Ah! how could I leave the dear charmer behind?Yet the rage of the battle with courage I try'd,Surviv'd, while the heroes fell fast on each side;Love stood my protector in all the alarms,While the silver-ton'd trumpet still sounded to arms.

Now olive-rob'd Peace kind advances again,And her blessings dispenses wide over the plain;Return'd to Eliza, we join in the throng,Where is heard the soft pipe, or the heart-lifting song.Each rural amusement with rapture we try,While the beams of contentment are found in each eye;Love stood my protector in all the alarms,While the silver-ton'd trumpets still sounded to arms.

What mortal like me so transcendently blest,When clasp'd by my charmer with joy to her breast;The laurels of conquest I give to the wind,Tis nought without love and honour combin'd:But when thus united, how noble the fame!What envy must wait on so happy a name!Love stood my protector in all the alarms,While the silver-ton'd trumpet still sounded to arms.