"THE CALL"

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 8, 29 January 1915, Page 4

"THE CALL"

Hark 1 'lis tbe rash of the horses,

The crash of the galloping gun! The stars are out of their courses; The hour of Doom has begun. Leap from thy scabbard, 0 sword! Tbis is the Day of tbe Lord!

Prate not of peace any longer, Laughter and idlesee and ease!

Up, every man that is stronger! Leave but tbe priest on his knees! Quick, every hand to the hilt! Who striketh not—his the guilt!

Call not each man on bis brother! Cry not to Heaven to save! Thou art the man—not another— Thou, to off glove and out glaive! Fight ye who ne'er fcught before! Fight ye old fighters the more! Ob, but the thrill and the splendour, The sudden new knowlegde— I can! To fawn on no hireling defender, But fight one's own fight as a man! On woman's love won we set store; To win one's own manhood is more. Who hath a] suul that will glow not,

Set face to face with the foe? "Is life worth living?"—l know not: Death is worth dying, I know. Aye, I would gamble with Hell, And—losing such stakes—say, 'lis well!

-F. W. BOURDILLON