Title:

Facing pages [122-123]

Date:

18640501-18640502

<"Merry, ever merry May! Made of sun-gleams, shades and showers, Bursting buds and breathing flowers; dripping-locked, and rosy-vested, Violet-slippered, rainbow-creseted; girdled with eglatine, Festooned with dewy vine: Merry, ever merry May, Would that thou coudst last for aye!"> [printed text above handwritten text] How oft I [hastened] at its [illegible] call. Within thes walls so sacred, there to hear the story of our Saviours love to all. Ring out old Bell! Your tunes are sweet to me. Just now I ask no sweeter melody. My journey o'er I hasten up the stretch with nimble steps travel the well worn line; [illegible] at the door - "oh happiness complete!" The loved returned, the best is found again." Obsessed [hear], what [illegible] what joy " O welcome, welcome, welcome home my boy." Home. I felt my mothers hand upon my head I saw tears flowing & I thought she spoke. I forward bent to hear the word she said just then the Bugle sounded - I awoke. The morn had dawned my pleasant dreams were o'er. I found myself a Soldier as before. I had but dreamed, yet moments happy there. I woke with courage, hope & trust mother. Resolved to firmly bear my Soldier [woes] till comes the welcome order - "Home again", I slung my knapsack [raised] my trusty gun. And ere the sun rose we were "Marching on," H.O.N. May 1[st] 1864.

English

Collection:

Henry O. Nightingale diaries