Albeit such conflict we must all abhor—

How should the fires of patriotism burn?

"Their flames are kindled by the flash of arms,

And fed by recount of heroic deed;

The sanguinary story has its charms

Tho the heart sicken o'er it as we read.

"And what were Greece without her Marathon?

Or Rome, had not her Caesars fought and won?

How reigns Britannia, Empress near and far,

But for her Waterloo and Trafalgar?

"And we, know not our souls a quickening thrill

At thought of Lexington and Bunker Hill?

And with a pride no rival passion mars

Greet we not now our glorious Stripes and Stars?

"Yes, friend, I own your theory is fine;

I grant your outlook far exceedeth mine

In excellence and beauty, in its scope

Embracing that millennial age of bliss

The spirit pants for while it chafes in this;

I covet, tho I cannot share, your hope."

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