But these two spellers stood unmoved and calm;
They knew their mission, and that kept above
All else. Their friends, who wistfully looked on,
Looked them their ardent hopes and prayers and love.
This confidence was not reposed amiss:
For no mentality as worth as this.
O rude ordeal, betwixt two such minds!
Two bright young folks in rosy morn of life:
Sweet girlhood that mild womanhood entwines;
And manhood young trained for the world’s hard strife;