FIRST SOUL I was a peasant of the Polish plain; I left my plough because the message ran— Russia, in danger, needed every man To save her from the Teuton; and was slain. I gave my life for freedom—this I know: For those who bade me fight had told me so. SECOND SOUL I was a Tyrolese, a mountaineer: I gladly left my mountain home to fight Against the brutal, treacherous Muscovite; And died in Poland on a Cossack spear. I gave my life for freedom—this I know: For those who bade me fight had told me so. THIRD SOUL I worked in Lyons at my weaver's loom, When suddenly the Prussian despot hurled His felon blow at France and at the world; Then I went forth to Belgium and my doom. I gave my life for freedom—this I know: For those who bade me fight had told me so. FOURTH SOUL I owned a vineyard by the wooded Main, Until the Fatherland begirt by foes Lusting her downfall, called me, and I rose Swift to the call—and died in fair Lorraine. I gave my life for freedom—this I know: For those who bade me fight had told me so. FIFTH SOUL I worked in a great shipyard by the Clyde: There came a sudden word of wars declared, Of Belgium peaceful, helpless, unprepared, Asking our aid: I joined the ranks and died. I gave my life for freedom—this I know: For those who bade me fight had told me so. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FLUSH OR FAUNUS by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING BRAID CLAITH by ROBERT FERGUSSON A PRAYER FOR INDIFFERENCE by FRANCES (FANNY) MACARTNEY GREVILLE AFAR IN THE DESERT by THOMAS PRINGLE ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. MR. GEORGE WHITEFIELD, 1770 by PHILLIS WHEATLEY HESPERIDES by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH SONNETS OF MANHOOD: 38. THE RETREAT FROM MOSCOW by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) VERSES SUPPOSED TO BE WRITTEN IN A BURIAL-GROUND .. SOCIETY OF FRIENDS by BERNARD BARTON |