<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="center" class="head">The American Volunteers</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line"><span class="smallcaps">Neutral</span>! America, you cannot give</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">To your sons' souls neutrality. Your powers</p><p class="line">Are sovereign, Mother, but past histories live</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">In hearts as young as ours.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">We who are free disdain oppression, lust</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">And infamous raid. We have been pioneers</p><p class="line">For freedom and our code of honor must</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">Dry and not startle tears.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">We've read of Lafayette, who came to give</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">His youth, with his companions and their powers,</p><p class="line">To help the Colonies -- and heroes live</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">In hearts as young as ours!</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Neutral! We who go forth with sword and lance,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">A little band to swell the battle's flow,</p><p class="line">Go willingly, to pay again to France</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">Some of the debt we owe.</p></div><p class="byline">-- Marie Van Vorst.</p></body></html> · Great War