Page:Fifes and Drums, Poems of America at War, Vigilantes, 1917.djvu/145

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A SONG OF CONFIDENCE

We have not compelled them, urged them, nor cajoled them—
    Of their own need they came to us, their own want and will.
We but opened wide the door, bade our walls enfold them,
    Gave them of our plenitude, as we give them still.
    Surely we may never fear lest these should wish us ill.

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.

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