The Brothers

We are but two — the others sleep
Through death's untroubled night;
We are but two — O, let us keep
The link that binds us bright.
Heart leaps to heart — the sacred flood
That warms us is the same;
That good old man — his honest blood
Alike we fondly claim.
We in one mother's arms were lock'd —
Long be her love repaid;
In the same cradle we were rock'd,
Round the same hearth we play'd.
Our boyish sports were all the same,
Each little joy and wo; —
Let manhood keep alive the flame,
Lit up so long ago.
We are but two — be that the band
To hold us till we die;
Shoulder to shoulder let us stand,
Till side by side we lie.