Page:Songs, Legends, and Ballads.djvu/194

182 As boys we rode together when our soldiering first began, And in all those years I knew him for a true and trusty man. One who never swerved from danger,—for he knew not how to fear,— If grim Death arrayed his legions, Dick would charge him with a cheer. He was happiest in a struggle or a wild and dangerous ride: Every inch a trooper was he, and he cared for naught beside. He was known for many a gallant deed: to-night I'll tell you one, And no braver feat of arms was by a soldier ever done. 'Twas when we were young and fearless, for 'twas in our first campaign, When we galloped through the orange groves and fields of sunny Spain. Our wary old commander was retiring from the foe.