There are times, I am sure, when this mock grief of the play-actor is a real grief in the hearts of thousands of Union soldiers. Time was when they were central figures in the grandest drama ever enacted on the world’s great stage. What they thought or said was the inspiration of millions; what they did lifted manhood to sublime heights, and filled the eyes of women with tender, happy tears. Thousands gathered to see them as they marched away to the war, while every window and housetop blossomed with the colors they loved, and every tongue voiced the grateful thankfulness and exultant pride of those who watched them go. For years thereafter they enriched the annals of the age with their splendid deeds, and every word that came to them was fragrant with praise. The bells in every steeple rang with jubilant triumph, and eager throngs of people, gathered in every city, town and hamlet throughout the land, shouted, danced and wept with joy when the bulletins from the front told how the soldier boys, amid the fierce storms of battle, had kept unstained the fervor of their faith and the valor of their aspirations, and carried the old flag to victory. Their glory was the theme of exulting songs, and the thanks of legislatures and of Congress were showered upon them in unstinted measure. And when at last they marched back to their old homes, their faded and tattered battle-flags radiant with the lustre of victories greater and grander than men had ever before won, how the generous welcomes that everywhere greeted them touched and warmed their brave and simple hearts. These were so fervent, so spontaneous, so universal, that it was as balm to the sore hurts of sickness or wounds, and blotted out all recollection of the hardships, privations, perils and sacrifices of their service. They had saved the Republic, they had exalted the Nation to sublime heights, they had preserved Liberty with its blessings, and brought back the joys and contentment of Peace. This was their glory and their reward, and in their exultant strength and happiness they asked nothing more.