Was offered a commission, and,—declined.
My declination was a shock to all,
'Coward!' said they, 'to shun your country's call,—
Then stay at home, from wounds and scars exempt,
But pay the price,—your former friends' contempt.'
That action was, for me, the Rubicon,
Which crossed, I had no choice but follow on.
But what a change! The penalty was high,
My childhood's friends now passed me coldly by.
I, who had been a social favorite,