Veteran and Recruit

He filled the crystal goblet   With golden-beaded wine: “Come, comrades, now, I bid ye—   ‘To the true love of mine!’ “Her forehead ’s pure and holy,   Her hair is tangled gold, Her heart to me so tender,   To others’ love is cold. “So drain your glasses empty   And fill me another yet; Two glasses at least for the dearest   And sweetest girl, Lisette.” Up rose a grizzled sergeant—   “My true love I give thee, Three true loves blent in one love,   A soldier’s trinity. “Here ’s to the flag we follow,   Here ’s to the land we serve, And here ’s to holy honor   That doth the two preserve.” Then rose they up around him,   And raised their eyes above, And drank in solemn silence   Unto the sergeant’s love.