O, keep him, Fate! from harm.
For on his dewy lips the bridal kiss is warm.
V
What doth he behold
Making the boy so bold?
Speak with whispering breath!
O Fate, O Fame, O radiant soul in love with glorious Death!
VI
Eyes that forward peer—
Why have they no fear?
Because, through blood and blight,
They see the golden morning burst and bring the living light;
VII
See War the fetters strike
From white and black alike;
See, past the pain and scorn,
A nation saved, a race redeemed, and freedom newly born;
VIII
See, in days to come,—
When silent War's loud drum,
Ere civic wrong shall cease,—
Heroes as pure and brave arise on battlefields of peace.
"THE NORTH STAR DRAWS THE HERO"
(TO H. N. G.)
The North Star draws the hero; he abides
Stedfast tho' death defends the unending quest.
But, ah, more faithful still the love that hides
In woman's empty arms and aching breast!
