Music: George F. Root
they arose whose name was legion
as an overwhelming wave
and the battle surged its billows
round a chosen few and brave
and they neared the sacred banner
with their foul and flaunting rag
when the dying hero shouted
lay me down and save the flag
so he fell the brave commander
like the oak from mountain crag
but his last words still are ringing
“lay me down and save the flag”
to the siroe of secеssion
they had bared the ‘еarless brow
they had heard the voice and heeded
could the hear and heed it now?
but his heart is in the battle
shall the hallowed ensign drag
while a hand is left to rescue?
“lay me down and save the flag!”
so he fell the brave commander
like the oak from mountain crag
but his last words still are ringing
“lay me down and save the flag”
then they looked at one another
in the speechlessness of woe
as each eye would ask a brother
shall we stay or shall we go!
and again the sight was blasted
by the traitors boastful rag
and again the word fell sternly
“lay me down and save the flag”
so he fell the brave commander
like the oak from mountain crag
but his last words still are ringing
“lay me down and save the flag”
oh beloved ye who murmur
for the dear ones gone before
for the manly song and brother
that may never greet you never more
for the loving arm that shielded
for the whose pinions lag
let the lips that quiver falter
“lay me down and save the flag”
slumber calmly brave commander
where thou art no pinions lag
fame will bear thy words forever
“lay me down and save the flag”