And they are gone⁠—that little band + 

Of friends⁠—the firm and true! + 

We feel the void which absence makes, + 

With joy, and sorrow too. + 

We joy that duties call them forth, + 

Clad in an armor bright; + 

With shield of faith, their surest guard, + 

And sword of truth and light. + 

We bid God speed their parting steps, + 

And bless the righteous cause:⁠— + 

Where’er the path of duty points, + 

May duty never pause. + 

And yet, we sorrow most of all, + 

And from the heart deplore, + 

That we perchance on earth again + 

May see these friends no more. + 

Their works shall live when other deeds, + 

Which ask a nation’s fame, + 

Have sank beneath Time’s whelming wave, + 

Unhonored and unnamed. + 