LIFE
XXXIV
WHO never lost, are unprepared
A coronet to find;
Who never thirsted, flagons
And cooling tamarind.
A coronet to find;
Who never thirsted, flagons
And cooling tamarind.
Who never climbed the weary league—
Can such a foot explore
The purple territories
On Pizarro’s shore?
Can such a foot explore
The purple territories
On Pizarro’s shore?
How many legions overcome?
The emperor will say.
How many colors taken
On Revolution Day?
The emperor will say.
How many colors taken
On Revolution Day?
How many bullets bearest?
The royal scar hast thou?
Angels, write “Promoted”
On this soldier’s brow!
The royal scar hast thou?
Angels, write “Promoted”
On this soldier’s brow!
XXXV
I CAN wade grief,
Whole pools of it,—
I’m used to that.
But the least push of joy
Breaks up my feet,
And I tip—drunken.
Let no pebble smile,
’T was the new liquor,—
That was all!
Whole pools of it,—
I’m used to that.
But the least push of joy
Breaks up my feet,
And I tip—drunken.
Let no pebble smile,
’T was the new liquor,—
That was all!
[21]
