Were they more true to dictates bold
Of honor in that olden time?
Or, when the weight of proof is told,
Rang out the truth in purer chime?
Gave they more freely of life's stream
Than we would do? than we dare dream?
They did not flinch when in the wage
Of war stern duty's standard waved,
But heart and hand did both engage,
And on each soul was deep engraved