The Reason Why

                        It is the eve of battle;
                        The soldiers are in line;
                        The roll of drum and bugle blast
                        Marshal that army fine.


                        The hour is fraught with mystery—
                        A hush pervades that throng,
                        And each one thinks of home and friends,
                        And says at heart, "How long?"


                        The colonel rides before his men,
                        His thoughtful brow is bare;
                        He calls the color-sergeant,
                        And tenders to his care


                        The nation's pride, the dear old flag—
                        The loved red, white and blue,
                        And says, with earnest tones and grave:
                        "I intrust this now to you.


                        "Yes; color-bearer, take in charge
                        Your country's flag to-day,
                        And to the conflict bear it—
                        The thickest of the fray.


                        "Bear it with lofty courage,
                        And to it faithful be;
                        This flag has inspired thousands,
                        And led to victory.


                        "Take it and never leave it,
                        'Tis a solemn charge to thee;
                        Bring back to me this banner,
                        This ensign of the free!"


                        "Colonel," the color-sargeant said,
                        Holding the flag on high;
                        "I'll bring it back or else report
                        To God the reason why!"


                        Away to the front he bears it,
                        Cheered on by comrades brave,
                        Anxious to liberate his race,
                        Bring freedom to the slave.


                        They charge upon Port Hudson,
                        Where, sheltered by a wall,
                        The foemen cut them down like grass,
                        They bravely charge—but fall.


                        Yes, on that field, where thousands
                        Unheeding the tumult lie,
                        He left the flag, reporting
                        To God the reason why.


                        Another bears that flag along,
                        Holding it proud and high;
                        But the sergeant has reported
                        To God the reason why.


                        Oh, Christian soldier, going forth,
                        To battle for the Lord,
                        Be filled with manly courage,
                        And proudly bear God's word.


                        It is the standard of your King,
                        Who rules the earth and sky;
                        You must win, through it, the vict'ry,
                        Or tell Christ the reason why.


                        The war will soon be ended;
                        In the dust you soon will lie;
                        Go forth and conquer, or report
                        To God the reason why.