The Homecoming

When this blast is over-blown,

And the beacon fires shall burn

And in the street

Is the sound of feet -

They also shall return.

When the bells shall rock and ring,

When the flags shall flutter free,

And the choirs shall sing, -

"God save our King"

They shall be there to see.

When the brazen bands shall play,

And the silver trumpets blow,

And the soldiers come

To the tuck of drum -

They shall be there also.

When that which was lost is found;

When each shall have claimed his kin,

Fear not they shall miss

Mother's clasp, maiden's kiss -

For no strange soil might hold them in.

When Te Deums seek the skies,

When the Organ shakes the Dome,

A dead man shall stand

At each live man's hand -

For they also have come home.