Page:Into Mexico with General Scott (1920).djvu/136

 *gle while marching; but when they see the enemy—my eye!"

These Volunteers were indeed a lively and good-natured if rather rough set. When drill was over they raced for their messes and proceeded to loll about and cook and eat and sing, as if they had no thought in the world except to picnic. The rust on their guns and the length of their beards never bothered them at all.

Here's a health to all them that we love, Here's a health to all them that love us, Here's a health to all them that love those that love them That love those that love them that love us!

This was the song of one group, who were drinking from tin cups.

Molly is the gal for me

sang another group. And—

Upon the hill he turned, To take a last fond look Of the valley and the village church, And the cottage by the brook. He listened to the sounds, So familiar to his ear, And the soldier leant upon his sword And wiped away a tear.

A tall bearded Tennesseean was singing that, while his companions listened soberly.

But a chorus welled and spread until all the groups were joining in.

Green grow the rushes, O! Green grow the rushes, O! The sweetest hours that e'er I spend Are spent among the lasses, O!