The Worn Soldier

Melody -

Robert Tannahill

The Queensferry boatie rows light,
And light is thin heart that it bears,
For it brings the poor soldier safe back to his home
From many long toilsome years.

2. How sweet are his green native hills,
As they smile to tine beams of the west;
But sweeter by far is the sunshine of hope,
That gladdens the soldier's breast.

3. I can well mark the tears of his joy,
As the wave-beaten pier he ascends,
For already, in fancy, he enters his home,
'Midst the greetings of tender friends.

4. But fled are his visions of bliss,
All his transports but rose to deceive,
He found the dear cottage a tenantless waste,
And his kindred all sunk to the grave.

5. Lend a sigh to the soldier's grief,
For now he is helpless and poor,
And, forc'd to solicit a slender relief,
He wanders from door to door.

6. To him let your answers be mild,
And, O to the sufferer be kind!
For the look of indiff'rence, the frown of disdain,
Bear hard on a generous mind.

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