SONGS OF PROTEST

The quiet and courageous night,

The keen vibration of the stars,

Call me, from morbid peace, to fight

The world's forlorn and desperate wars.

The air throbs like a rolling drum —

The brave hills and the singing sea,

Unrest and people's faces come

Like battle-trumpets, rousing me.

And while Life's lusty banner flies,

I shall assail, with raging mirth,

The scornful and untroubled skies,

The cold complacency of earth.