A leader—or a fugitive? To drag
Slow years along in idle vacancy,
As a worn veteran living on the fame
Of former deeds—to offer humble prayers
And blessings for protection—owing all
Yet left me of existence to the might
Of other swords, dependent on some arm
Which soon may cast me off; or on the field
To breathe once more, to feel the tide of life
Rush proudly through my veins—to hail again