Dedication

I speak to you, YOUNG MEN! for ye are strong,
    And, being strong, ye should be merciful, 
And WISE withal, to battle against wrong
    That so the downfall of her citadel
Mar not the pillared fanes where true hearts throng,
    And sacred memories veiled in silence dwell. 
Gleams of a Life, like watchfires on our hills,
    Throbs of a heart that dared what man MAY dare, 
Who conquered but to save, and bowed stern wills
    By pity, teaching triumph to forbear — 
These are my Song — our Hope — and the Despair
    Of anarch Misrule ; — let them be to you 
As glorious banners in the storm-rent air —
    As pulses of new life, heroic, calm, and true.