THEY veiled their souls with laughter And many a mocking pose, These lads who follow after Wherever Freedom goes; These lads we used to censure For levity and ease, On Freedom's high adventure Go shining overseas. Our springing tears adore them, These boys at school and play, Fair-fortuned years before them, Alas! but yesterday; Divine with sudden splendor -- Oh, how our eyes were blind! -- In careless self-surrender They battle for mankind. Soldiers of Freedom! Gleaming And golden they depart, Transfigured by the dreaming Of boyhood's hidden heart. Her lovers they confess them And, rushing on her foes, Toss her their youth -- God bless them! -- As lightly as a rose. |