The Rebel Soldier

IN THE LIBBY PRISON SADLY Air: Bingen on the Rhine
(As recorded by Charlie Moore)

In the Libby prison, sadly, a dying Soldier lay;
He had borne himself right bravely through many a bloody fray,
But wasted by oppress on, and cruelty and want,
His frame that was so stalwart, was worn and frail and gaunt!

He call'd his Comrade to him, and whisper'd with a sigh:
'A message I must send to those I love before I die."
'This portrait of my Mary--it has never left my breast;--
When I am in my Coffin on my bosom it must rest;

But cut a lock from off my head, and give it to my wife,
And tell her that I dearly bought my honour with my life!
I thought again to clasp her--but my end is drawing nigh--
And a message I must send to her of love before I die:--

"Here's the Bible, Mother gave me--it has been my shield and stay,--
I have read it as she bade me often since I've been away;
Take it back unto her, Comrade;--with my blood its leaves are stain'd,
But tell her 'twas my comforter so long as life remained!

When she sees this relic of her boy, a tear will dim her eye,--
But a message to my Mother I must send before I die:--
"And tell my children, comrade--though in Libby's cell I sink,
I'd rather be a captive here than from my duty shrink!

Bid them to bless the UNION for which their father fell,
And evermore to guard the FLAG which he has lov'd so well!
Come nearer--nearer Comrade--we'll meet again--good-bye!
But mind and take the messages I send before I die!"
Then the rebel soldier died.


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