The Affectionate Soldier

'Twas in the ev'ning of a wint'ry day, When safe returning from a long campaign, Allen o'er-toil'd and weary with the way, Came home to see his Sally once again.

His batter'd arms he carelessly threw down, And view'd his Sally with enraptur'd eyes, But she receiv'd him with a modest frown, She knew not Allen in his rough disguise.

His hair was knotted, and his beard unshorn, His tatter'd 'coutrements about him hung; A tear of pleasure did each cheek adorn, And blessings fell in torrents from his tongue.

Am I so alter'd by this cruel trade, That you your faithful Allen have forgot? Or is your heart unto another stray'd? Ah!—why escap'd I from the murd'ring shot?

When thus he spake, her wonted colour fled, She ran and sunk upon her Allen's breast, All pale, awhile, she look'd like one that's dead, He kiss'd, she breath'd, and all her love confess'd.

Yes, my delight—tho' alter'd as thou art, Reduc'd by honest courage to this state, Thou art the golden treasure of my heart, My long-lost husband and my wish'd-for mate!