Page:Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War.djvu/165



Youth is the time when hearts are large,

And stirring wars

Appeal to the spirit which appeals in turn

To the blade it draws.

If woman incite, and duty show

(Though made the mask of Cain),

Or whether it be Truth's sacred cause,

Who can aloof remain

That shares youth's ardor, uncooled by the snow

Of wisdom or sordid gain?

The liberal arts and nurture sweet

Which give his gentleness to man—

Train him to honor, lend him grace

Through bright examples meet—

That culture which makes never wan

With underminings deep, but holds

The surface still, its fitting place,

And so gives sunniness to the face