On Leave

Free Lance, Volume XVI, Issue 868, 23 February 1917, Page 11

On Leave

(For the N.Z. Free Lance.) He comes to town from discipline and drill, Alert in limb, and mirthful in his mien, Elastic with the youthful ' 'power to will"— A patriotic soldier, smart and keen! Behind is left the stimulating voice Of sergeant-major, adjutant, and "chief"; ! The busy highways make his heart re- . joice, : "On leave" is' bliss to him. however brief. - Mysterious are Women to his soul: — A ..puzzling riddle (solved when love has won); Their eyes with gladness greet, his martial stroll, And smiling lips seem shaping words, "Well done." . Yet theirs might be the fate' of Belgian maids,

Outraged, deported .by the , bestial Hun " To slave, or breed by him the vilest grades Oi bastards born beneath the Northern sun! Subconsciously his hands are clenched in rage, And feel the balance, of his riflestock, ' He hears the captain's-sharp command. "Engage," And sinews stiffen for tli' avenging shock 1 Temptation "fails to turn his steps aside, Or soil his mind by sinful substitutes ', . - . Of manly honour, valour, and the pride Of being "fit" —now Vengeance needs recruits! Our hearts are with him when he comes to town. Our prayers precede and follow him to France; * ■ Where such as ho have won this realm renown; For Glory marches where ' their weapons glance ! —W. Gcode Hamilton. Wellington.