FIFES 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.
