Ballads of Peace in War

THE GREEN BRIGADE

    ON THE FIELD OF CORN

    Where is the war ye march unto,
    From the early tents of morn?
    And what are the deeds ye hope to do,
    Brave Grenadiers of Corn?
    Pearls of the dew are on your hair,
    And the jewels of morning light,
    Pennants of green ye fling to the air,
    And the tall plumes waving bright.

    Gaily away and steady ye go,
    Never a faltering line:
    Forward!  I follow and try to know
    Word of your countersign:
    Hist!  The spies of the tyrant sun
    Eagerly watch your plan,
    Lavish with bribes of gold, they run
    Down to your outmost man.

    Steady, good lads, go bravely on
    By the parching hills of pain,
    An armor of shade ye soon may don
    And meet the allies of rain:
    And night in the bivouac hours will sing
    Praise of the march ye made,
    And into your pockets good gold will bring,
    Men of the Green Brigade.

    Yea, and upon September's field,
    When the long campaign is done,
    With arms up-stacked, your hearts will yield
    Conquest of rain and sun:
    The pennants and plumes will then be sere,
    Your pearls delight no morn,
    But tents of plenty will bless the year,
    Brave Grenadiers of Corn.