"WE GIVE OUR SONS."
Such our proud cry—a vain and empty boast;
Love did not ask so great a sacrifice;
The first réveillé found you at your post;
You knew the cost; clear-eyed you paid the price;
Some far clear call we were too dull to hear
Had caught your ear.
Not ours to urge you, or to know the voice;
No stern decree you followed or obeyed;
Nothing compelled your swift unerring choice,