OCR Text |
Show FIVE SOULS , By W. N. Ewer. First Soul. I was a peasant of the Polish plain; I left my plough because the message ran: Russia, In danger, needed every man lo save her from the Teuton; and was slain. I gave my life for freedom This I know; For those who bade mo 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 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. From the London Nation. |