FIFES AND DRUMS Poems of America at War 52.G v^7 v^uilieii uiiiveouy i-iwitfiy D 526.2.V67 Fifes and drums. 3 1924 027 944 366 nrnoll llnis««B«*W 1 ihr»r« CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY BEQUEST OF STEWART HENRY BURNHAM 1943 Date Due i /I ^ ■ ^^» Cornell University Library The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924027944366 FIFES AND DRUMS The VIGILANTES Books FIFES AND DRUMS. A Collectioii of Poems of America at War. ISmo. H£ pp. $1.00. THE VIGILANTES A NON-PABTISAN OBOANIZATION OF AUTHOBS, ARTISTS AND OTHKBS PUKPOSES To arouse the countiy to a realization of the impor- tance of the problems confronting the American people. To awaken and cultivate in the youth of the country a sense of public service, and an intelligent interest in citizenship and national problems. To work vigorously for preparedness; mental, moral and physical. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Porter Emerson Browne Monroe Douglas Robinson Ellis Parker Butler Julian Street Irvin S. Cobb Augustus Thomas Thomas C. Desmond Charles Hanson Towne Hermann Hagedom Robert J. Wildhack ChABLEB J. RoBEBAUIiT, Managing Editor. For further information apply to THE VIGILANTES 605 Fdth Aventib New Yobk Citt The VIGILANTES Books FIFES AND DRUMS A COLLECTION OF POEMS OF AMERICA AT WAR NEW YORK GEORGE H. DORAN COMPANY COPTMGHT, 1917, BT GEORGE H. DOKAN COMPANY PRINTED m THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOEEWORD These poems, written under the immediate stress of great events by those who have banded themselves together under the name of The Vigi- lantes, furnish a striking record of the emotional reactions of the American people during the fort- night preceding and the six weeks following the declaration of war. They are presented to the public in the belief that men and women in every comer of the Union will find reflected in them some of the love and aspiration they themselves are experiencing for their re-discovered country. CONTENTS FAOE Amemca Unafraid . . . Charles Hanson Towne . 13 The Ultimate Argument Arthur Guiterman ... 16 The Song Marion Couthouy Smith . 18 Peace with a Sword . . Ahbie FarweU Brovm . . 22 The Pacifist's Lament . Don Marquis .... 24 At Ant Price .... Lee WiUon Dodd ... 25 The Answer Marion Covthouy Smith . 29 In Time of Danger . . Clinton ScoUard ... 31 To America Lee Wilson Dodd ... 33 Ode to Tonsiutis . . . Wallace Irwin .... 35 April 2nd Theodosia Garrison . , 37 The Flag Goes Up . . . Amelia Josephine Burr . 88 Fall In! Amelia Josephine Burr . 40 Black Flag! Edith M. Thomas ... 42 A SoNQ OF Democract . . Lee Wilson Dodd ... 44 Our Aim Louis How 47 The Binding of the Beast George Sterling ... 49 The Flag ..... George E. Woodberry . . 63 To Aii Americans . . . Amelia Josephine Burr . 65 Vlll CONTENTS Wab Song of America . Pbocessional . . ' . Omniscient Mb. Faix . The Stabs and Stripes The Gebman-Amehican OuK Babgain Blow, O Ye Bugles America in Abms To the Allies . Of Kings .... The Kaiseb . . Grantland Rice . Cole Young Riee . . Lee Wilson Dodd . . Theodosia Garrison . Katherine Lee Bates . . Amelia Josephine Burr . Clinton ScoUard . Percy MacKaye . Laura E. Richards Clinton ScoUard . Florence Earle Coates . The Eetubn of the Exiles George E. Woodberry Messengers Florence Mary i Shottldbb to SHOtTLDBB . CUrOon ScoUard The RoTTNDABOtrr Commit- tee AND THE CmCUMLOCn- TION BoABD America .... Amebica, To Arms! . A Lesson in Mannees Come to the CoLOiia OuB Flag in France The Ameeican Flag PAGE 57 59 61 64 66 68 70 71 74 76 77 79 80 82 84 88 . WaUace Irvxin . . Lee Wilson Dodd . . Blanche ShoemakerWagstaff 91 . Theodosia Garrison . . 92 . Laura E. Richards . . 94 . Marion Coulhouy Smith . 96 . Theodosia Garrison The Young Blood Speaks Mary Farley Saniom . 98 100 CONTENTS ix Mabchinq with Papa PAGE JOFPBE .... . Percy MacKaye . . 102 . Louis How .... 106 Enusted .... . WiUard Wattles . . 107 CuRHENCT . M. E. Buhler 110 To OuK Women . . . Amelia Josephine Burr 111 To THE MOTHEBS Marion Covihouy Smith 113 The Girls Thet Left Be- HIND Them Theodosia Garrison 115 A French Captain . . Amelia Josephine Burr 117 The Eecbuit . Reginald Wright Kauffmar I 119 Prater Dubinq Battle . Hermann Hagedom 121 The I Also Serve . Faith Baldwin . . . 122 Hth Job .... . Amelia Josephine Burr 124 CoNCEBNiNa Planting . John Curtis Underwood 126 Spades Are Trumps! . John Kemble . . . 130 The War op Bread . Edith M. Thomas . . 132 Coltmbia's Shop . Theododa Garrison 134 The Childless . . . Amelia Josephine Burr 136 The Test . . . . Amelia Josephine Burr 138 A Song of Confidence . Theodosia Garrison 139 "Bide, Vigilantes!" . Edith M. Thomas . . 141 Surdy the time for making songs has come Now that the Spring is in the air again. Trees blossom though men bleed; and after rain The robins hop; and soon the bees vntl hum. Long was the winter, long our lips were dumb. Long under snow our loyal dreams have lain. Surely the time for making songs has com£ Now that the Spring is in the air again. The SpringI — vnth bugles and a rumbling drum! Oh, builders of high music out of pain. Now is the hour with singing to make vain The boast of Icings in PandemoniumI Surdy the time for making songs has cornel H. H. FIFES AND DRUMS AMERICA UNAFRAID America will wake To the stern task before her. She will break The bonds of Sloth and dull Indifference, And, with the soul of Lincoln in her eyes. Dare to be great and wise; Dare to be valiant with the valor still That echoes from the crest of Bunker Hill; The valor that gave Grant and Lee their fame After the battle-flame; The valor that has kept our country whole While the clean years unroll; 13 14 FtFES AND DRUMS The valor that has giv'n us all body, and heart, and soul ! II America will be As one in her old love of Liberty. She will remember naught of party and creed In her great hour of need; But one in spirit, one in high accord. Her people will await the final word That bids them strike for Justice. Her keen sword Will never be unsheathed, save in the name of Christ, our Lord ! Ill There is a fear Running through our broad country, far and near; A rumor that foul traitors at our gate Whisper, and plan, and wait; PIPES AND DRUMS 15 A rumor that beneath us crawls the hostile worm of hate. . . . It may be so! But I believe that now Each man can disavow Old enmities, and, loyal to the end, Count it his privilege to be his country's friend; Count it his right to suffer for the land That hailed him, and stretched forth a welcoming hand When he, heart-broken, from an alien shore. Came as a stranger to our open door. IV America, beware.! Lest, knowing the red burden you must bear. You falter now ! We pray for Peace — ^white Peace ; Yet if soft days must cease. We shall go forth, fearless, and . as one. Until our task for Liberty is done. Charles Hanson Towne. THE ULTIMATE ARGUMENT Before the high court of King Lion the Strong The wily Hyena appeared with a throng Of Jackals as witnesses, charging the Ass With wronging him foully by eating the grass. "This rogue," the Hyena indignantly cried, "Without any warrant express or implied. Devours the herbage so luscious and sweet And cruelly leaves me with nothing to eat. I pray the Court, therefore, to grant me relief, Including permission to dine on the thief." The Ass pleaded humbly with down-hanging ears, (Addressing a Jury composed of his peers) : "Dear friends, that I graze in the meadow is true, But not without warrant. My course I pursue 16 FIFES AND DRUMS 17 By right of a Document sealed with a Seal — King Solomon's firman which none may repeal." "Ha!" snarled the Hy«ia; "but where is your proof?" "My warrant is writj" said the Ass, "on my hoof." "Indeed!" sneered the Plaintiff; "then show it, I beg." "Look well !" brayed the Ass, as he drew up a leg. Close peered the Hyena. The Ass gave a snort And kicked the Conspirator clean out of Court. L'Envoi While Patience is praiseworthy, even in Gath, And Sweetness may possibly turn away Wrath, The mildest can have but one answer to give Oppressors who question their title to live. Arthur Ouitermaru THE SONG Along the misty beaches, where the great wind- voices cry. Where the sea's reverberant thunder sends its chal- lenge to the sky. And its deeper echoes lure us, from the countries where they die — A song is sounding on ! I can hear it, clear and urgent, over all the break- ers' rage; It is pleading for the memory of a noble heri- tage; 'Twas a woman's voice that sang it, in a past heroic age — Its call is sounding on. 18 FIFES AND DRUMS 19 Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored. He has loosed the fateful lightning of His terri- ble swift sword; His truth is marching on. It is calling with the sea-winds far across the troubled wave. Where Belgium in her beauty lies all one trampled grave, And still her proud defenders lift the paean of the brave — Her soul is marching on! It cries along the bloody fields, from Russia back to France, Where the great united nations hold the savage foe's advance; 20 FIFES AND DRITMS Where the stars above the trenches meet the sol- dier's dying glance — Its call is sounding on. I have read a fiery gospel, writ in burnished rows of steel; "As ye deal with My contemners, so with you My grace shall deal; Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel. Since God is marching on." My covintry — oh, my country ! Clear-sighted then and strong, A shield for the defenceless and a flame against the wrong, True to the ringing echoes of that mighty march- ing song That still is sounding on — FIFES AND DRUMS 21 My country — oh^ my country ! The old brave call has come; Too long your steps were lagging, too long your soul was dumb; Tune now your wakening pulses to the throbbing of the drum. While God is marching on. He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat; Oh, he stvift, my soul, to ansrver Him! Be jubi- lant, my feet! Our God is marching on. Marion Couthouy Smith. PEACE WITH A SWORD Peace! How we love her and the good she brings On broad, benignant wings ! And we have clung to her — how close and long. While she has made us strong! Now we must guard her lest her power cease. And in the harried world be no more peace. Even with a sword. Help us, 6 Lord ! For us no patient peace, the weary goal Of a war-sickened soul; No peace that battens on misfortune's pain. Swollen with selfish gain. Bending slack knees before a calf of gold. With nerveless fingers impotent to hold The freeman's sword — Not this, O Lord ! 22 FIFES AND DRUMS 23 Not peace bought for us by the martyred dead Of coimtries reeking red; No peace flung to us from a tyrant's hand, Sop to a servile land. Our Peace the State's strong arm holds high and free. The "placid Peace she seeks in liberty," Yea, "with a sword." Help us, O Lord ! Bring out the banners that defied a king ; Then tattered colors bring That made a nation one from sea to sea. In godly liberty. Unsheathe the patriot sword in time of need, America ! Forth, forth your armies lead ! "Peace, with a sword ! Help us, O Lord!" Abbie Farwell Brovm. THE PACIFIST'S LAMENT The world is so full of a number of thugs, I'm sure we should all be as humble as bugs. Bon Marquis. ?4 AT ANY PRICE De Puyster Jones at tweniy-three Is not a pleasant sight to see ; Although his duds cost many dollars^ From silken socks to five-ply collars. Though shaved and bathed and deftly scented- One feels he should have been prevented. His lips hang loose, his chest caves in, His face is minus brow or chin; And when one hears the creature chatter Somehow it simply doesn't matter. Yet young De Puyster Jones has money. And when his money talks — it's funny (Or sad) to note that many listen ; His brain is slime, and slime mill glisten. In fact, the moron, more's the pity, 25 26 PIPES AND DRUMS Is sometimes spoken of as witty; And though obscenely idiotic. His ancient anecdotes erotic Are often greeted with guffaws; And his views meet with wild applause. Now what — I ask in thunderous tones — What are the views of D. P. Jones? "Patriotism's just an ism! A fellah ought to be Above the lingo Of the Jingo ; Flags don't appeal to me." "If a chap's rational, he's international; He knows there's nothing in The stuff that's local; I'm not a yokel To cheer when the bands begin." PIPES AND- DRUMS "And politicians who yap of missions, IdealSj and all that j unk — Just let 'em gab; brag. And hold the grab-bag; But don't fall for their bunk !" "You take this crisis ! A glance suffices To wise you what it means; Munition makers And journalist fakers Stuffing millions in their j eanS }" "We're safe and happy, so why get scrappy ? Say, what's the sense in war ? For God's sake chuck it ! The whole show's muck ! It 'S not w;hat I'm living for !" "Not this little Willy ! I'm not that silly — No drums and guns for mine! 28 PIFES AND DRUMS What's the odds if they rat us ? They can't get at us. Georgia's fleet is doing fine !" Such — I repeat in thunderous tones — Such are the views of D. P. Jones. Lee Wilson Dodd. THE ANSWER There is one answer to all dreams of ease — Belgium ! One answer to the Teuton's cunning pleas — Belgium ! One test and touchstone for all hearts that feel; One word that is a stroke of steel on steel, A stroke whose clangor sets a long note ringing That falls upon our ears like distant singing. One word for you who say the strife must cease- Belgium ! Justice to her must hold the key of peace — Belgium ! And you who clamor that our cry should be Not love of country, but Humanity. 29 30 FIFES AND DRUMS Have you not heard it, as you pass unheeding ? Humanity ! In her the world lies bleeding ! Not she alone the dark decree must know — Belgium ! The first in that great sisterhood of woe, Belgium ! She speaks, my Country, with your own lost dead; She brings one answer to your shrinking dread; Draw now your sword, and set the clear stroke ringing That falls upon our hearts like mighty singing ! Belgium! Marion Covthony Smith. IN TIME OF DANGER Blind to danger we have been. Walking on our wonted ways Through the drifting of the days. In and out, and out and in. To our patriot duty stranger. Wandering as in a maze. Blind to danger ! Deaf to danger, and our need. We have drunken to the lees Of the drugged wine of ease; To our honor given no heed, Paltered, played the money-changer; Cast aside old memories. Deaf to danger! 31 FIFES AND DRUMS Blind and deaf to danger? Nay ! — Fling the call from shore to shore ! Wake ! the slothful hour is o'er ! Wake! be gone with base delay. To our trust no longer stranger ! Freemen, rouse, and be no more Blind to danger — Deaf to danger ! Clinton Scollard. TO AMERICA Yes, Mother, it is true ; Bad daughters and worse sons we've been to you — Taking all, giving naught — Till we have brought You down to this. . . . You need A starker breed To cherish you and guard. Keep watch and ward. Or strike if strike they must ! Mother, our shameful heads are in the dust — Abject — Before you. . . • 33 34 FIFES AKD DRUMS Too mild, too patient! — ^yet once more forgive Our faithless greed, young folly, old neglect! For though we perish from you, yon shall live — Mother ! — ^through humbled daughters who respect. Through chastened sons who serve you and adore yon. Lee WiUon Dodd. ODE TO TONSILITIS Since Senatorial Rules decree once more — Even while Prussia threatens us with slaying — That one wild donkey still may hold the floor And block an entire nation with his braying; Yea, since the chin is mightier than the sword. The lung and larynx deadlier than reason And Robert spurns the Flag beneath the Ford In one continuous honk of windy treason; Ah! then come forth, thou dread but welcome one. Nymph of the swollen throat, fair Tonsilitis ! Go gulping to the Sage of Madison, Woo him with wreaths of asthma and bronchitis ! Snuggle beside his Senatorial seat. Lure him with kisses sneezy, damp and reckless 35 36 FIFES AND DRUMS Until the cold which now afflicts his feet Climbs to the place where Mabel wore the neck- lace. Then must that rare trombone grow fogged and cease. That wealth of words lie fallow in his wallet ; There'll be no more Atrocities of Peace Committed then by Robert M. La FoUette. Then will the eagle o'er the rostrum shriek While patriots clasp hands in satisfaction, "The gentleman from Wisconsin cannot speak — Rejoice, ye nations! Now we'll get some ac- tion!" Wallace Inom. APRIL 2nd. We have been patient — and they named us weak ; We have been silent — and they judged us meek. Now, in the much-abusedj high name of God We speak. Ohj not with faltering or uncertain tone — With chosen words we make our meaning known, That like a great wind from the West shall shake The double throne. Our colors flame upon the topmost mast, — We lift the glove so arrogantly cast. And in the much-abused, high name of God We speak at last. Theodosia Oarrison, 37 THE FLAG GOES UP Whether we gave him doubts or praises. That is a thing of yesterday. We rally to the flag he raises. We go the inevitable way. But not with pageantry or shouting — We're done alike with boast and doubting. We take the trail that duty blazes Be the issue what it may. Brave are the words that he has spoken. The words that we have made our own. Our blood and sweat shall be the token" We fight for righteousness alone. O God, who knowest all the making Of noble vows — and all their breaking — 38 FIFES AND DRUMS SQ Grant that our word be never broken. Our banner never overthrown. Give us to keep without misprision The truth our souls have understood, Clean above hatred and derision. Strong through our evil days and good. To love life's worth, not life's preserving, More than success to honor serving. Faithful forever to our vision Of liberty and brotherhood. Amelia Josephine Burr. FALL IN! We thought that reason had mastered men. That peace of the world was lord. That never the roll of the drum again Should quicken the thirsty sword — But our bubble broke with a sudden blow. And we heard like the trumpet's din That levelled the walls of Jericho The old stern ci j— "Fall in!" We were numb, amazed, we were sick and dazed With a horror past belief. Silent we stood while Belgium blazed In her martyr's glory of grief. Then it came so near that we needs must hear. For the cry of our murdered Win 40 FIFES AND DRUMS 41 Drove in our heart like a searching spear The call of the hour— "Fall in!" Not in the flush of a barren thriU Do we come to our deed at last. We have weighed our will, we must do our will, For the doubting-time is past. We have faced our souls in the sleepless night, And what shall we fear but sin? Not for love of the fight, but for love of the right. In the name of our God — "Fall in!" AmeUa Josephine Burr. BLACK FLAG! Run up your Black Flag, Skull and crossbones display ! Why should you palter — ^why should you lag?- For never was freebooting crew. From Heligoland to Cathay — And the Coast of Barbary, too. So deserved the foul ensign as you ! Yes, run up the Black Flag, Too long have your colors been hid! Make good your insolent brag. Who have staked off the waters at will. And the honored sea-law have defied. Going forth to plunder and kill! You have staked off the waters at will — 42 FIFES AND DRUMS 43 What ! Yon yet think to forbid ? Sea-way for other Flags, too — Way for the Red-White-and-Blue ! But it's down with your Black Flag — Down, in the end, it must be. In the depths where you lurk let it drag — Down to the chameUed abyss . . . You hearken the World's decree? — Pirates mere hunted ere this. And you shall he stvept from the sea! Edith M. Thomas. A SONG OF DEMOCRACY It isn't just because some ships were lost. And children drowned, and women, and strong men. That's bad enough, God knows ! But the Prussians were our foes Long before their cruel wolf -pack left its den. It isn't just because their hunting pack Tore at Belgium's throat to reach the throat of France. No, by Heaven ! It's because They are traitors to all laws Made by God to curb the Devil's arrogance. They are traitors to humanity, no less ! They acknowledge nothing nobler than their will 44 FIFES AND DRUMS 45 To conquer arid subject All peoples who respect The Holy Vow man struggles to fulfil. For man has dreamed a dream and sealed a Vow, Yea, man has sealed a Vow before the Lord Of Righteousness and Peace: He has sworn that war shall cease And the reign of Reason triumph o'er the Sword! He has sealed a Holy Vow that privilege Shall perish from an Earth where all are free ; That his children shall not fight. As he must, the Huns of Night, But be brothers in the Light of Liberty. God save us from all traitors to that Dream; God shield us from aU traitors to that Vow ! 46 FIFES AND DRUMS God give us strength to smite All traitors to that Light — Lord God of Man United, aid us now ! Lee Wilson Dodd. OUR AIM We have been patient: we have been ashamed. Through dismal days and weeks and months and years Insulting hands have cuffed our burning ears. . . . Our patience crumbled, and our anger flamed. The spirit of the Union, never tamed. Jumps to the cannon 'mid a nation's cheers. And marches to take part among its peers. We aim as straight as we have always aimed. England and Russia, Montenegro, France, Rumania, Serbia, Belgium, Italy, Japan, — ^we come to join in your advance! 47 48 FIFES AND DRUMS Yonr foe is ours, our friend becomes your friend. And to you all, and to our sons, say we: We hate this hateful war, and it shall end ! Louis How. THE BINDING OF THE BEAST He plotted in the den of his lordship over men; He wrought his grim array and he hungered for the Day. Then the loosing-word was spoken; then the seal of Hell was broken; Then its Princes were assembled for the feast; But against the Vandal night rose the star of Freedom's lights And a world was called together for the binding of the Beast. They have seen it for their star; they have come from near and far; From the forges of the North go the men and young men forth, 49 50 FIFES AND DRUMS Having found the holier duty, found the true, the final beauty. As their brothers of the South and of the East. In the forests of the West they have given of their best, With strong hands and patient for the binding of the Beast. For his treason unto man in the War that he be- gan. For the rapine and the flame, for the hissing of his name. Have the hosts gone up against him and with swords of judgment fenced him. With his coward clutch on woman and on priest. For the children he has maimed, for the maidens he has shamed. The nations gird their harness for the binding of the Beast. FIFES AND DRnMS 51 Now frothing in his rage, a sconrge to youth and age. Caked with blood he stands at bay, with his feet upon his prey. Ringed with surf of guns resounding, raw and fetid from the honnding. Smites he still in baffled fury and the roar of hate releast; But the huntsmen of the ranks, with their steel at breast and flanks. Give no truce nor sign of respite at the binding of the Beast. He is cunning, he is strong, and the war shall yet be long. Where the seven thunders wake and the walls of heaven shake. He is cruel, blind and ruthless; he is boastful, sly and truthless; 52 FIFES AND DRUMS By his will the Powers of Darkness are increast; But the shackle and the chain shall avenge the hurt and slain^ Who have broken bread with heroes at the binding of the Beast. For his pact with Death and Hell, let us bind the monster well, That the world go free indeed from his arrogance and greed! By the pact he dared to sever make we treaty with him never, Till the murder-venom in his blood has ceast ! By his trust in force and war, end we those for- evermore, As the nations sit in council for the binding of the Beast! George Sterling. THE FLAG Kiss the loud winds, O darling of all hearts, And shoot o'er land and sea thy beams world- wide ! ■ How many thousands in thy light have died, Radiant and sweet! now from our banners darts A greater glory ! in our bosoms starts A deeper joy: so swells the long-pent tide Of full devotion to thy sacred side. And from impatient millions doubt departs. Advance thy colors in the captain-files That vanward lead the many-languaged host Like mighty waves that lift an angry sea, — And break the German! miles on headlong miles 53 54 FIFES AND DRUMS Drive him from churchless land and shipless coast Till law again for right be sanctuary ! George E. Woodberry. TO ALL AMERICANS {Tune: Maryland, My Maryland) OuH answer to the great appeal, Americans, Americans, Shall prove if we are clay or steel, Americans, Americans. Strike manfully for liberty. Stretch helping hands across the sea. And keep your own hearts clean and free, Americans, Americans ! Clean of the pettiness of hate, Americans, Americans, Free to the love of all things great, Americans, Americans. Clean of untruth and fear and greed, 55 56 FIPES AND DRUMS Free faithfully to serve the need Of God, wherever He may lead, Americans, Americans ! Amelia Josephine Burr. WAR SONG OF AMERICA We are on our way back Home — Home where the high flag flies ; We are on our way from the rut With the flag lust in our eyes ; So those of you in the van. Hark to our warning song — "Give us the open road Till we land where we belong." Soft we had grown and fat — Watching the Shadow creep; Soft with the dull content Of those who are half asleep ; But the Eagle's place is the peak. And now, by her lands and seas, 57 58 FIFES AND DRUMS Flung to the world-wide winds Old Glory goes to the breeze. We are on our way back Home — By the trail we have come before; By the trail that leads from the depths Through the swirl of the Winning Score; So those of you in the way Hark to the chant we've spun — "Give us the open road TiU we find our place in the sun." Cfrantland Rice. PROCESSIONAL Not for a flannted flag, O God, Not for affronted power. Not for a scnrrile hope of gain. Not for the pride of an honr. Not for vengeance, hot in the heart. Now do we swing to war ; Not for a weak mistmst lest peace Is a shame strong men abhor. Not for glory — ^for oh, to HIl Shonld be a sacred wrath; Not for these ! Bnt to war on war And sweep it from earth's path! Patient has been our creed, till now. Patient, too, our hope, 59 60 FIFES AND DRUUS Patient for long our lothful deed. For the just in doubt must grope. But with a foe at last arrayed Against the whole world's right. You, O soul of the universe. Your very self must fight. You yourself; so but one prayer Need we to lift — but one, That by our battle shall all war Be utterly undone. Cole Towag Rice. OMNISCIENT MR. FALL OR THE WHOLE TRUTH ABOUT THE WAR Mr. Fall, who reads The Call, Knows it all. He can tell you in a minute Why we're in it. Moneyed men who make big guns Bribed the Huns; And when Belgium was invaded, It was they did Stir up Belgians to resist. Just to twist The Lion's tail— till "War!" He must roar. Then the millionaires of France 61 62 FIFES AND DRUMS Saw their chance To make millions making shells ! — Fall excells In explaining all away From this fray Save the money coalitions Of munitions- Makers make — ghouls, full fed on Armageddon ! So, of course, he now declares. Our affairs Have been run for us by schemers Who sent steamers Out, and U-boats out as well To raise Hell! Wall Street knew if we came in 'Twould begin To grow richer that much faster From disaster. FIFES AND DRUMS 63 It's SO simple. — Can't you see It must be Just as Mr. Fall asserts! Yellow dirt's (Both as cause, and as efiFect) Why we're wrecked. How about it? Do you doubt it? Can you doubt it — When Fall, who reads The Call. Knows it all? Lee Wilson Dodd- THE STARS AND STRIPES We who in the old days — the easy days of pleasur- ing— Loitered in the distant lands — we know the thrill that came When in farj foreign places, above the stranger iaces, The sight of it, the might of it, would wake us like a flame. Our own flag, the one flag, it stirred our blood to claim. We who in these new days — these days of all con- fusion — Look upon it with the eyes of one long blind who sees. 64 FIFES AND DRUMS 65 We know at last its beauty — its magnitude of duty — Dear God! if thus it seems to us, what will it mean to these Who stay for it, who pray for it, our kindred over seas? These who face the red days — the white nights of fury. Where death like some mad reaper hacks down the living grain — They shall see our flag arise like a glory in the skies — The stars of it, the bars of it, that prove it once again The new flag, the true flag, that does not come in vain! Theodosia Garrison, THE GERMAN-AMERICAN Honor to him whose very blood remembers The old, enchanted dream-song of the Rhine, Although his house of life is fair with shine Of fires new-kindled on the buried embers ; Whose heart is wistful for the flowers he tended Beside his mother, for the carven gnome And climbing bear and cuckoo-clock of home, For the whispering forest path two lovers wended; Who none the less, still strange in speech and man- ner. With our young Freedom keeps his plighted faith. Sides with his children's hope against the wraith Of his own childhood, hails the Starry Banner 66 FIFES AND DRUMS 67 As emblem of his country now, to-morrow ; A patriot by duty, not by birth. The costliest loyalty has purest worth. Honor to him who draws the sword in sorrow! Katherine Lee Bates. OUR BARGAIN Is all our world upon a counter laid ? That is their taunt who say they know us well. Then, like true merchants, let us to our trade; What wares has God to sell? A world at liberty, a path made clear For steadfast justice and enduring peace. Nations released forever from the fear Of evU days like these — A sound investment ! but . . . the price is high. Long-hoarded wealth in ruin, flame and steel, Death lurking in the sea and in the sky — What say you.'' Shall we deal? 68 • FIFES AND DRUMS 69 Shall we know terror, shall our strong ones fall That others' children, fearless in the sun, May see our visions and accomplish all That we must leave undone? We take thy bargain. Master of the Mart. Though we may Hinch, we cannot turn away. Send thy resistless fire upon our heart And make us strong to pay. Amelia Josephine Burr. BLOW, O YE BUGLES Blow, O ye bugles, bugles of the morn ! Blow, O ye bugles of the sunset, blow! Sound your clear notes, your ringing notes of scorn. Against the embattled legions of the foe ! Tell them in clarion accents that we stand For freedom, and the birthright of the free; No bloody tyranny upon sea or land. But the inalienable truths of Liberty ! Acclaim your triumph pftan over Might, Your call for justice, and the overthrow Of all the hordes that fight against the Eight! — Blow, O ye bugles, valiant bugles, blow ! Clinton Scollard. 70 AMERICA IN ARMS We have not willed this war. Nor heaped for man this monstrous pyre, But we have sought on hell's wide shore To quench the awful fire. This war was willed to be By one who sprang on a world asleep. And now his talons out of the sea Have drawn us in to the deep : In to the deep and the dark Where his blood is drunk with the splendor of ships. As he lies in lair with a steel-gray shark — The mad foam on his lips. 71 72 FIFES AND DRUMS No more, then, now no more 'Tis ours to watch by the burning lake. But ours, thank God, to wage this war. Thank God — for freedom's sake. Till freedom shall be strong Through hell her heavenly work to do ; For force is neither right nor wrong But the use we put it to. So this is the pledge we plight: That we can fight, who do not hate. And we for freedom's love will fight In the venomed teeth of fate. Gird, then, our hearts to blaze Once more through battle's black alarms, God of our fathers, and upraise Ainerioa in arms ! FIFES AND DRUMS 73 So her free soul may live, Then ours — ^to win Thy grail or grave — Are an hundred million lives to give. But only one to save. Percy MacKaye. TO THE ALLIES Hands across the sea, brothers! Hands across the sea! Here's a flag to fly with yours. The emblem of the free. Holy hands of freemen gave it. Heart and life we pledge to save it, At your side we lift and wave it. Now for Liberty! Hands across the sea, brothers ! Hands across the sea I Here's a sword to draw with yours, 'Gainst monstrous tyranny. Valiant hearts have beat beneath it. Deathless laurels still, enwreathe it. 74 FIFES AND DRUMS 75 Sadly, sternly, we unsheathe it. Now for Liberty. Hands around the world, brothers ! Hands around the world! Fling the married colors out, Never to be furled; Till the power of Light prevailing, Vict'ry's heights in triumph scaling, Sees the power of Darkness, failing, Down in ruin hurled. La/ara E. Richards. OF KINGS Ye kings^ upon your gilded thrones. Hear ye not how the death-wind moans ? Can ye not see that naught atones For what your hands have done? Hark ! how a stricken people's groans Mount up against the sun! The innocent, they starve and bleed; And do ye list, and do ye heed. Wrapt in your dreams of power and greed. The hastening end of all? Hapsburgs and Hohenzollerns, read The writing on the wall! Clinton Scollard. 76 THE KAISER He stood alone, in sovereignty sublime. Uniquely great, — the Eaiser ! They that feared. Yet honored him, who to the world appeared Lofty in courage, wise, above his time. The Monarch of the hour ! — Using his strength destructive things to bind. Serving the Fatherland — and, so, mankind. Safe-guarding Peace with Power. He stood alone? How lone today he stands. The eyes of all fixed wondering on him! His throne ensanguined, his bright asgis dim. The murderous sword clutched in his lawless hands! 77 78 PIPES AND DRUMS What spectacle more sad Than Might by its own folly -wounded so? Are the Gods jealous now, as long ago. That thus they make ambitious mortals mad? Florence Earle Coates. THE RETURN OF THE EXILES The gates of the Siberian waste stand wide; Great joy has thrilled the mighty wilderness; The message of the Lord has come to bless The souls in bondage: broken is the pride Of the invincible tyrant who doth ride On human hearts, and thrones him on distress ! Fallen he is ! his victims numberless Fill the long roads by steppe and mountain-side. So when our Lord descended into hell And broke the fetters of the spirits in prison, A glorious company to heaven made way. What triumph more divine doth history tell Than Truth from her captivity arisen, And Faith rejoicing in her holy ray! George E. Woodberry. 79 MESSENGERS (Tune: The Russian Hymn) Lord God Omnipotent, forth Thou art sending Us, as Thy messengers, blessed with Thy Word, Souls rich endowed, and inspired with hope un- ending. Shout we, America hath girt on her sword! Sword of Democracy, tempered and glowing. Sword of the Union — Free States in accord — Sword of high righteousness, wrong overthrowing! Shout we, America hath girt on her sword ! Clear, brave, the echoes dart ! Our message is sounding : Safe be the Rule of the People, O Lord ! 80 FIFES AND DRUMS 81 Safe through the world, all injustice confounding! Shout we, America hath girt on her sword ! Florence Mary Bennett. SHOULDER TO SHOULDER Shoulder to shoulder! Each man in his place ! Shoulder to shoulder, and "right about! face!" We've a duty to do ere we grow a day older. And the way we can do it is — shoulder to shoul- der! Shoulder to shoulder ! Each man in the line ! Shoulder to shoulder ! The Flag for a sign ! Yes, let us not weaken, but let us grow bolder. And rally and sally with — ^"shoulder to shoul- der!" Shoulder to shoulder! Each man in his might! Shoulder to shoulder ! We fight for the right ! 82 FIFES AND DRUMS 83 The land of our love — ^may our courage enfold her! May we work — and not shirk — for her, shoulder to shoulder! Clinton Scollard. THE ROUNDABOUT COMMITTEE AND THE CIRCUMLOCUTION BOARD A Nation went to war against a rather ruthless foe; It hadn't any army, so it wondered who would go To do the deeds of valor which the crisis did re- quire. To help the French to take the trench and do it under fire. So Congress got together and the Senate did the same To raise a million soldiers who would put the foe to shame, , 84 FIFES AND DRUMS 85 And they quickly passed the matter up, with one complete accord. To the Roundabout Committee and the Circum- locution Board. Now the Roundabout Committee sat and talked for weeks and weeks On Methods of Preparedness among the Ancient Greeks While the Circumlocution Board it scratched its thoughtful double chin. And lingered late in wise' debate on "Where Shall We Begin?" A Patriot rushed in and cried, "The Foe is at our gate!" But the Circumlocution Board replied, "Just tell him, please, to wait. We're listening to an Army Plan devised by Sen- ator Drool 86 FIFES AND DRUMS To raise nine million soldiers through his Corre- spondence School." Then the Patriot, who was hasty, raged and stamped upon his hat. "You're really doing nothing and you're taking years at that." Whereat the wise Committee bobbed its head and answered, "True. Take note of that, stenographer. That's what we're here to do." A Military Training Bill the President did advise They set upon with pencils and reviewed with hos- tile eyes. "It is much too plain and simple. Let's revise it so and thus; We can jumble any issue, if you'll leave the job to us." FIFES AND DRUMS 87 So at last the land grew weary and implored with shrieks and sobs^ "Let our welfare be conducted by some men who know their jobs. Are our railroads run by poets? Or do cobblers harvest hay? Then in military matters why should windmills rule the day?" But the question was so pointed and its moral so direct That it could not thread the labyrinthine hallways, we suspect. Leading to the Inner Sanctum of the Crooked Wooden Sword, Of the Roundabout Committee and the Circumlo- cution Board. Wallace Irwin. AMERICA (two portraits) I "For all her busyness and prate. Too easy-going to be great, She wastes her soul and winks at Fate: Poor foolish virgin who'll not trim Her lamp, even when its light grows dim; Capricious, ruled by chance and whim. Her soft good-nature cannot brook The anguish of a steady look Upon Time's hourly posted Book: Time's Book, wherein is written plain The loss that follows slothful gain. The doom of aU who shrink from pain. 88 FIFES AND DRUMS 89 Lax, optimistic, indolent. On momentary joys intent. She counts as saved all she has spent. And when God's ruthless Questions come Before her with Truth's Speculum — She slouches, simpers and chews gum!" II No portrait that ! You libel with your pen This anxious Mother of unhasty men. Her heart is quick and true; her courage sure. She has the strength to suifer and endure. God's ruthless Questions will not find her dumb; Her Answers will be noble. Let them come. "Are you for ease or honor?" "I am for The rights of living men, in peace or rvar." 90 FIFES AND DRUMS "Will you make good that boast through days of gloom?" " — Yes. Though my breast become my children's tomb." Lee Wilson Dodd. AMERICA, TO ARMS ! She stands, a guardian of the endless sea. Her garb is golden, and her lips are flame. She is the portal of Eternity And Beauty is the realm from whence she came ! She is the voi6e of many bleeding lands — America, she calls ! To Arms ! Arise ! For like a shimmering sabre in the skies In scarlet glow she stands A guardian of the earth and sea — Liberty! Blcmche Shoemaker Wagstaff. gi A LESSON IN MANNERS We have neglected certain obligations. Albeit in a purely social way. One should return a neighbor's salutations And make a party call a certain day. America has failed in manners. Is it A trifle that we Isick in etiquette? Surely 'tis time that we returned the visit Of Lafayette. Our social calendar is much neglected. And "busy" is not always an excuse; Some adequate return might be expected. And courtesy may rust for lack of use. 92 FIFES AND DRUMS 93 Suppose, in manner, both polite and hearty, Before this suitable occasion goes. We manage to return that little party Of Rochambeau's. Theodosia Oarrison. COME TO THE COLORS (Air: Russian National Hymn) Sons of America, come to the colors; Gather in arms round the Red, White and Blue ! Far over land and sea a bugle note is ringing; Sons of America, it sounds for you ! Long have ye stood apart, the conflict grim be- holding. Safe in your distance and calm in your might; Now, in the hour of need, your banner proud un- folding. Sons of America, uphold the right ! Kingdoms may pass away in tumult resounding, Thrones and dominions may crumble and fall; 94 FIFES AND DRUMS 95 Now, while Humanity the great Advance is sounding. Sons of America, obey the call ! ' Laura E. Richards. OUR FLAG IN FRANCE Up with the flag in France, lads, up with the flag in France! As the dawn-rays rising oversea, so be its bright advance ; The dawn-rays flaming on the sea, the morning round the world — Long and dark was the night to us, while the Stars and Stripes were furled ! Out with the sword in France, lads, out with the sword in France! As the sudden gleam of a twilight star, so be its flashing glance; A star that brings a mighty hope to a people worn and pressed; 96 FIFES AND DRUMS 97 Glad were they for the kindly word, but the help- ing hand is best. Follow the guns in France, lads, follow the guns in France ! Take with those on the foremost line the brave man's fighting chance; There's a people here behind you, whose dreaming hours are past. Who will send you forth with a swelling heart, and back you to the last. Fight for the world's defence, lads, as your fathers fought before. For truth and right against ruthless might, for freedom's cause once more! Though the way be long and the hazard strong, for glory or mischance. Up with the flag in France, lads, up with the flag in France! Marion Couthouy Smith. THE AMERICAN FLAG They wait the flag — These men who hold their own Against that beast (blood-mad and madly blind) Who seeks to poison all of human-kind. And snarl above a ravaged world alone. They rvait the flag — ^that sign that shall be shown To prove that with them — one in might and mind — Their mates from over-sea, long held behind Strive with them where the foremost lines are thrown. Dear God, to see that day when France shall turn. Like some brave mariner who fought the gale The live-long night, to see against the dawn 98 FIFES AND DRUMS 99 Like one great glory in the sunrise^ burn The spread, white wonder of a nearing sail That signals "We stand by — Sail on, sail on!" Theodosia Garrison. THE YOUNG BLOOD SPEAKS Bon jour. Marcel! Your hand. At last our stars Have come to join yonr triple bars; We're here to fight with France — By God, give ns the chance! — We heard the cries Of helpless children ; saw the frightened eyes Of women shrinking from the maddened crew That swept their land; we felt The quiver of the tortured sod, and smelt The smoke of burning villages ; we knew You needed us, that's what we're coming for — To stop this war. Dis done, Emile! We couldn't stand their cant: "God and the Fatherland." And trampling 100 FIFES AND DRCM6 101 Your tender soil for that! We're here to fling Their words back in their teeth. For us, we want Nothing that is our neighbor's; we have come To lead our stricken brothers and their women home. To smooth the scarred and broken earth, and plant The fields again. But — if we must — We'll deal first with those war-lords, break Their knees and bring them to the dust. For France's sake We'll fight until we drop. We're here to make them stop. Allans! Leon, Gaspard ! We'll help you win this war. Mary Parley Sanborn. MARCHING WITH PAPA JOFFRE A SONG TO FIFES AND DRUMS Marching! — What are they marching, there, for? Rin-rin!—Ran! — Pata, pata, plan! Papa Joffre he's coming from the war: Vive la — Vive la France! Blue jacket and red breeches and mustachios gleaming white. With a Tommy on his left hand and a Johnny on his right. He has come to give America his Godspeed for the fight: Vive I'Amerique! Vive la France! Vive la — Vive la France! 103 FIFES AND DRUMS 103 Fighting! — What are they fighting, there, for? Eho!- — Eho! — Pata, pata, plan! To make men free men, now and evermore: Vive la — Vive la France! The Kaiser and his kaiserlings they guessed that they would go And ring the Paris Christmas bells, a-laying churches low; But Papa Joffre beside the Marne stood up and said: No, no! A has les Boches! Vive la France! Vive la — Vive la France! Cheering! — What are they cheering, there, for? Hurrah! — Hurrah!— Hip, hip, hip. Hurrah! Red, white, blue flags — flaming for the war: Vive la — Vive la France! Jack Poilu he's a true lad, as Papa Joffre has tried; 104 FIFES AND DRUMS John Bull he is another, and he marches Jack beside ; And Yankee Doodle joins with them — three brothers, God for guide: Vive I'Amerique! I'Angleterre! la France! Vive la — Vive la France! Praying! — What are they praying, there, for? Dieu! Seigneur! A ton Esprit la gloire! The Peace of Justice reign forever more ! Vive I'Esprit de la France! We are marching in alliance that our faith may be restored ; We are fighting, we are cheering, for a nobler world-accord ; We are "praying, through the tempest, unto Lib- erty, our Lord: Vive I'Alliance! Vive la France! Vive la victoire de la France! Percy MacKaye, IT IS BETTER The khaki lads with drum and fife, March down Fifth Avenue. Their eyes are eager for the strife That moulds the world anew . . . And you — and what of you ? It is better to travel a bloody track And come home dead or maimed — It is better to go and never come back. Than to stay and die ashamed. The lads in khaki sweep on past, All straight and straight aligned. When the rattle of drums is gone at last. What is there stays behind? — Not a thing remains behind. 105 106 FIFES AND DRUMS 'Twos our country's very self marched by. And many a man may fall — ■ But it's better to live the hour you die Than never to' live at all. Louis How. ENLISTED Have you heard the shiver of bodies hurled Chest on crashing chest. When thigh-bones snap like pistol shots And men meet breast to breast ? Have you seen the feet of a maddened horse Red-wet with the wine of war And wondered in crushing a comrade's face What you had killed him for? Ever the sweep of the wave of men On the reef of jagged death. And frozen faces like cockle-shells Where the breaker billoweth. The out-flung arms of a down-lipped boy With his throat shot through — 107 108 FIFES AND DRUMS Perhaps Ms shoulder brushed your own Or he slept last night by you. My fathers followed Washington Into the forests dim, The blood of Warren at Bunker Hill In my veins runs from him. When Perry crossed from ship to ship They bent their arms to row. They faced the Mexicans' livid haO. In the shattered Alamo. The Susquehanna knew their tents. They perished at Bull Run, Shenandoah saw our dead Staring at the sim; We marched with Sherman to the sea. Starved at Andersonville, And one of us died by the barbed-wire fence Under San Juan Hill. FIFES AND DRUMS 109 I You cannot change the written scroll Nor alter the charted plan. Ever must moaning women quail And man make war on man; Out of strength must sweetness come — Out of sacrifice We melt the metal and forge the key To enter Paradise. I thank my fathers for what they paid On the altar of the years, I thank the women who gave me birth In agony and tears; I could not wish that life should ask One payment less from me. And the bugle-call of the arming hosts Sets their old passion free. Willard Wattles. CURRENCY "Let us pay with our bodies for our soul's de- sire." — Theodore Roosevelt. O, HIGH of soul, flesh doth not overwhelm. But is the means wherewith all things to buy! It is the coin current of the realm Wherein we live and die. Upon our far strange journey to that Home From which we are astray. The Providence that destined we should roam Gave us wherewith to pay. We shall arrive if nobly we aspire. And spending flesh to buy the spirit free. Pay with our bodies for our souls' desire For perfect liberty. M. E. Bnhler. 110 TO OUR WOMEN (Adapted from the French of Paul Deroulede) Woman, if the man to whom your heart you give Gives you all his heart, to you alone is true — If, American, a stranger he can live To America, his only country You — If without despising himself and you alike He hears his duty call and lifts no hand to strike — Woman, your clinging hands have bent his soul awry. You knew not how to love him if he knows not how to die. Mother, if your boy grows man in years alone, Loving self so well, he has no heart to hear The voice of higher hopes, if he has never known 111 112 FIFES AND DHUMS The steadfast will that faces and overpowers fear. If in the perilous hour of Freedom's mortal fight He fails to dare his all for God and for the right — Mother, your love has crippled the soul it strove to shield. You lenetv not how to give the life he knows not horn to yield. Amelia Josephine Burr. TO THE MOTHERS Mothers of men, do you not know What you gave to the world in your hour of woe? Born of courage, and doomed to stress, A man for the tasks of men — ^no less ! Mothers of women, can you not feel What all the signs of your life reveal? You have brought forth love, with its sword and fire. And love's high crown is the lost desire. Mothers of men, have you not known That the soul of the child is not your own? If God has sealed him for palm and cross. To hold him close were your bitter loss. 113 114 FIFES AND DRUMS Mothers, moihers, will yon not see All that your gift to the -world may be? These who must fight a wrong abhorred Are Michael's angels, who bear the sword. Mothers of men, then loose your hold ! Love grants more than your arms enfold; Under the Cross you stand apart. With Mary's sword in your dauntless heart. Marion Couthouy Smith. THE GIRLS THEY LEFT BEHIND THEM We are the girls that they left behind them And this is the pride that we wear today. We had no will to hinder or bind them. To bid them hesitate, wait or stay. We bade God-speed to them on their way. Not with the sadness of hearts resigned But glad of the call they must needs obey. We are the girls that they left behind. We are the girls that they left behind them, Not as of old but to weep and pray. But with ready hands and with wit to find them Service fit for the part we play. 115 116 FIFES AND DRUMS And this is the pride that we wear today (We who are one with them heart and mind) That they loved us and left us and marched away. We are the girls that they left behind. Theodosia Oarrison, A FRENCH CAPTAIN Three wounds ... he was so weak . . . just to let go The grip of will on torn and weary flesh — For then would come a silence . . . and long sleep . . . And when he waked — if waking was for him — Then he could fight again . . . but now— O God! Only to slip to earth a little while And lose the shattering tumult of the guns ! But something in his heart would not let go. Something that thudded in his ringing ears "For France! For France! For France!" He struggled on Bleeding, unconquered — and unconquerable. For when the bullet struck him in the breast 117 118 FIFES AND DRUMS He shouted to his men as he went down, "Never fall back ! It is my last command !" That was one soldier's death. You who can sneer (God pardon you!) at him and at his like, Walking so proudly in your nobler ways — Are you as faithful to humanity As he to France? Do the stern tests of peace Awake the God in you, as war in him ? If it were so — there were an end of war. Amelia Josephine Burr. THE RECRUIT Give me to die when life is high: The sudden thrust, the quick release, Full in the front, in harness, not A slow decay in timorous peace. There is not any way' but this ! I would not shirk the joy of strife, Nor lose one flash of perfect death For sluggard years of coward life. My breath, which is God's gift to me. Exulting waits His high behest; My heart, which moves at His command. At His command will gladly rest. 119 120 FIFES AND DRUMS For who would tarry when He calls^ To haggle at the heavy toU, And render to ungrudging God The insult of a niggard soul ? Reginald Wright Kauffman. PRAYER DURING BATTLE Lord, in this hour of tumult. Lord, in this night of fears, Keep open, oh, keep open My eyes, my ears. Not blindly, not in hatred. Lord, let me do my part. Keep open, oh, keep open My mind, my heart ! Hermann Hagedorn. 121 THEY ALSO SERVE- Beyond the soaring thrill that lifts the heari To martial music and to marching feet. Beyond the thin call of the fife — apart From brave emotion, and the sudden heat Of young enthusiasm, and the cheers Of crowds which weep and rally at a word- Beyond the Fire and the Wind and Tears The still small voice of Sacrifice is heard ! The cripple in his chair who does his bit — The bent old woman in her garden-plot — By such small flames the holy Lamp is lit — And who can say the Country needs them not? 122 FIFES AND DRUMS 128 Not for us all the right to rise and go To unknown Terror over haunted seas — Yet all shall reap as We-At-Home shall sow — And thus me serve — unto the least of these! Faith Baldwin. HIS JOB "I didn't raise my boy to be a soldier — The nations ought to arbitrate, I say — But I couldn't face my son if I made him leave imdone His bit to help America to-day. Though I couldn't bear to think of him in battle. And it's terrible to trust him to the sea, I'll give him with a will where he doesn't have to kill Is there nothing for my boy and me?" There's a call for him that's louder every minute; There's a hungry world that he can help to feed. There's a fight without a gun that is waiting for your son Where the enemy's the vermin and the weed. 124 FIFES AND DRUMS 125 If you didn't raise your boy to be a soldier, If you didn't raise your boy to be a shirk. Here's a job for head and hand — send him out to till the land; What's the matter with a farmer's work? Amelia Josephine Burr. CONCERNING PLANTING Friend KipUng wrote some lines long since that ended "Paj, Pay, Pay!" And he helped to clean up Africa. That war was children's play With this that has to sift the sea, that's playing hide and seek And prisoners' base with submarines that scuttle life. Last week I heard a pure-food specialist stand up and start his chant With "The way to beat Berlin is just to 'Plant, Plant, Plant!'" They say all nature's short of crops this year and next may be. 126 FIFES AND DRUMS 127 The world is shy of ships beside. It spills grain in the sea. The answer's wider acreage. The farmer '11 do his share. If you want to beat those butchers of babies in the air You'll tell your wife's relations and the uncles of your aunt And your seventh cousin twice removed to "Plant, Plant, Plant!" Now I have a gift for gardens and I've dug my trenches there. I've planted seeds instead of shells and made the neighbors stare. I've ranged my ranks of carrots, and beets, and beans, and peas. With pinks and roses round the sides as pretty as you please. 128 FIFES AND DRUMS This year the flowers will have to go. My wife says that we shan't Steal one more Belgian baby's life. So "Plant, Plant, Plant!" This year the game is gardens. This year the fad is food. Gad, if they plow their golf links up I'd cheer the multitude That have the money habit. If all would take their turn The butlers and the ladies' maids to weed and hoe might learn. Say, that's some Cubist picture. My kids declare they can't Slice up their tennis court. But Ma says "Plant, Plant, Plant!" Canal sides in New York will bloom. Beside our railroad tracks FIFES AND DRUMS 129 We're going to turn the Germans out. Around the rusty shacks Where we used to do our dumping, and on every vacant lot I've a picture of a planting worth tons of steel and shot. Though pacifists may preach and doubt and fools may rave and rant. We are going to knock the Kaiser out. So "Plant, Plant, Plant!" John Curtis Underwood. SPADES ARE TRUMPS ! "Clubs are trumps!" the soldier shouts, "By might alone we win today; For over all the world of men The strength of arms holds eager sway." "Nay, SPADES are frumps!" speaks Mother Earth, "The might you boast mould soon be gone Without the harvest that they yield To lend you strength and feed your brawn." "Diamonds are trumps!" the merchant cries, "They build your navy, ship by ship; Place guns within your soldiers' hands. And give your fighters swords to grip." 130 FIFES AND DRUMS 181 "Nay, SPADES are trumps!" speaks Mother Earth, My workers share the richest spoil : Where mould your boats and armies be Without the fruitage of the soil?" "Hearts are trumps !" the woDien sigh, "We give our husbands and our sons, To sail your ships across the seas. To bear your flags and man your guns." "Nay, SPADES are trumps!" speaks Mother Earth, "The guns may roar on land and sea. And swords may flash and hearts may break — But SPADES shall have the victory!" John Kemble. THE WAR OF BREAD "There shall be no unwarranted manipulation of the nation's food supply by those toho handle it on the may to the consumer." — President Wilson. Op all the wars that waste this world. Where the life of man has bled. This is the war I most abhor — The theft of the people's bread ! They who hold back what the kind Earth gave In the billowing fields of grain, Are the cowardliest foe — for their secret blow Strikes for their own base gain. 132 FIFES AND DRUMS 138 Arm of the law, reach forth in your might, And the hidden stores unbind. And defeat their power who, at this hour, Wage dasta'rdly war on their kind ! Edith M. Thomas. COLUMBIA'S SHOP Columbia has opened shop, (Come bny, good folk, come buy !) None may despise her merchandise,- Her price is far from high. Your parcels shall be neatly tied With red and white and blue. And Liberty (most charming, she) Shall hand them out to you. Columbia has opened shop As any lady may. No better ware is anywhere, (Come buy, good folk, and pay!) For whosoever buys of her Shall have her thanks the while 134 FIFES AND DRUMS 155 And Liberiy shall take the fee And give the change and smile. Columbia has opened shop, (The foreign trade's astir) Pray step inside — the door stands wide — And buy a bond from her. TJieodosia Oarrison. THE CHILDLESS They give the savings of their life — ^the dreams. The hopes of youth, the care of yearning years. The tender fostering, the love austere That served by chastening, the prayers unheard Except by God — all, all the priceless hoard Of love that goes to make a son, a man. They give all this — with sorrow, yet with joy. It may be they shall have their gift again In time to come; it may be they shall have For their one comfort that they gave their all To help God's Kingdom come. . . . And we— (O God, Thou knowest why!) who bave no sons to give. We lend our gold that shall be paid again 136 FIFES AND DRUMS 187 With interest. So small a thing it seems ! And yet — these are the savings of our life. And there is nothing petty in Thy sight. Accept, O God, our offering — 'tis to Thee. Amelia Josephine Burr. THE TEST Money you have, though children none. Who say that you would give your son To help dear Liberty to live. If you had a son to give. Remember, words are not the price At which the wares of God are sold. Your own flesh would you sacrifice Who will not even lend your gold? Amelia Josephine Burr. 138 A SONG OF CONFIDENCE We have not compelled them, urged them, nor ca- joled them — Of their own need they came to us, their own want and will. We but opened wide the door, bade our walls en- fold them. Gave them of our plenitude, as we give them still. Surely we may never fear lest these should wish us iU. We have broken bread with them, lit the flame that warmed them. Bade them share our children's place at hearth and bed and board. 139 140 FIFES AND DRUMS We have bound the ancient wounds — unhealed wounds that harmed them — Shared with them our freedom from fear and over-lord. Surely these shall aid us when our hand is on the sword. Not with misplaced confidence^ not in foolish blindness. Do We trust these guests today who have known our best, — These who wrought with us in peace, walked with us in kindness. These shall never fail us when men's souls are at the test. These shall guard the honor of the House that gave them rest. Theodosia Oarrison. "RIDE, VIGILANTES!" Ride through the land. Vigilantes, ride! From this bound of the East where the inrolling tide With more than the red of the sunrise is dyed, As crimson the foam is borne to our strand! Ride! Draw not the rein, and make not your stand, Till ye come to the slumbering heart of the land: TeU them who sleep— so loth to awake. All unprepared for the storm that must break — Tell them. Humanity's all is at stake! Tell them, " 'Tis Freedom that falls in the breach!" 141 142 FIFES AND DRUMS If they murmur, adream, "Our peace, we be- seech — The peoples at war — ^they speak not our speech!" Ye will say, "If ye sleep, then sleep — to your shame ! Freedom's no alien, but one and the same; Wake ye, and arm ye, in her great name !" Ride, Vigilantes, lifting your light. Ride through the day, and ride through the night, Searching out Men of Valor and Might! — Ride! HdAih M. Thomas.