Unconquered by the thought of death,
Or wounds that ache and bleed,
His veins are filled with throbbing fire
In the vast hour of need.
No selfish caution binds his hands,
Or chains his eager feet --
"On to the front!" his watchword is,
Through triumph or defeat.
A nation has the mighty power
His inmost soul to stir --
He does not deem it sacrifice
To give himself for her.
-- William Hamilton Hayne.
By permission from
Scribner's Magazine.
