CHAPTER XXIX

THE COUNTRY GIRL'S DUTY TO THE COUNTRY

Are you sheltered, curled up and content by the world's warm fire, Then I say that your soul is in danger! The sons of the Light, they are down with God in the mire, God in the manger.

The old-time heroes you honor, whose banners you bear, The whole world no longer prohibits; But if you peer into the past you will find them there, Swinging on gibbets.

So rouse from your perilous ease: to your sword and your shield! Your ease is the ease of the cattle! Hark, hark, the bugles are calling! Out, out to some field-- Out to some battle!

--_Edwin Markham._