 | Petition to the Deil |  |
71
THE DAY OF THE YOUNG MEN.
April 15, 1916.
I
When war broke out, the young men had their day;Their numbers spoke, they were a brave array;
And he was nothing who was old and gray
When war broke out—
What could he do but by the fireside stay,
Or grouse about?
II
How rich in strength, how strong in hope were they!And a long line of years before them lay
Wherein to toil, to triumph, and to play
And rest at length:
No force could daunt them and no fear dismay:
How rich in strength!
III
Their songs they sang along the public way;They sang of Tipperary, and were gay—
72
Their songs they sung,
And merrily to war they march'd away,
When they were young.
IV
He that is old and was denied his day,Whose eye is dim, whose hand is weak to slay—
He may not join the ranks, yet serve he may,
Though un-enroll'd;
He can advise, encourage, comfort, pray,
He that is old.
| Petition to the Deil | |