THE PRICE OF WAR.

Now woe is me! My treasure, my delight,

My guerdon after many toilsome days,

Shall gladden me no more. It was a sight

To bid men gape in wonderment, and praise

My patient courage that endured despite

The gibes of friends and Delia's pitying ways.

Ah, cruel fate that forced my hand to snip

Such costly growth as graced my upper lip!