Page:Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War.djvu/134



intent, he urged his keel

Full on the guns, and touched the spring;

Himself involved in the bolt he drove

Timed with the armed hull's shot that stove

His shallop—die or do!

Into the flood his life he threw,

Yet lives—unscathed—a breathing thing

To marvel at.

He has his fame;

But that mad dash at death, how name?

Had Earth no charm to stay the Boy

From the martyr-passion? Could he dare

Disdain the Paradise of opening joy

Which beckons the fresh heart every where?

Life has more lures than any girl

For youth and strength; puts forth a share