The Soldier's Adieu

Cease, Clara, cease those silent tears Steal down thy cheeks in vain, Kind hope shall chase away thy fears, Till we return again.

But wherever our rout shall be My heart shall still encamp with thee. Why should we lose the single hour Which time accedes to love? Suppress that sigh, I own its power, Yet joys from hope improve. But wherever, &c. &c.

Let no forboding fears alarm That regulated mind, Thy innocence shall shield from harm, Thy soldier far disjoin'd. But wherever, &c. &c.

Let idle tears of fancy'd woe Ne'er wake for me a fear; Since honour calls prepar'd I go, Yet dread the parting tear. But wherever, &c. &c.

Start not my fair, the morning gun Proclaims the dawn of day; And now the reveille's begun, To hail the morning grey. But wherever, &c. &c.

The general! hark!—oh then adieu, Permit a last embrace, The troop! they march!—and I'll pursue; Farewel that angel face. But wherever, &c. &c.