But northern snow, and pine-tree, and purity, and pray’r.

Our woodsbred northern women (whose men went forth to war)

Sent them not forth in passion to fight on sea and shore

But with a holy purpose gave up the sons they bore.

Our woodsbred northern women, no more against the skies

Your strange, unwarlike banner in cause or conflict flies;

But we see your souls courageous in your children’s children’s eyes.

INSPIRATION

A poet sang of human things,

Of gorgeous queens and mighty kings,