"I DID NOT RAISE MY BOY TO BE A COWARD."

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 566, 2 December 1915, Page 4

"I DID NOT RAISE MY BOY TO BE A COWARD."

The following verses by John Power,: which recently appearel in the "New York Times," are an effective reply to the sentiments expressed in the pacifist poem U I Did Not Raise My Boy to be a Soldier," of which a good deal has lately been heard in the United States: "I DID NOT RAISE MY JgOY TO BE A SOLDIER," BUT— I did not raise my boy to be a coward, To bear .with blood unstirred whate 'er befalls, To skulk, or shirkj or flinch in times untoward, TO stop his ears when need or honour • calls. I did not raise my boy to hide in pleasure When duty summons him to suffer pain, v To count mere easeful plenty, good—to measure All by paltry rule of private gain. I would not have him criuge when proud ambition Fares forth full-armed to work its lawless will, To use his own upon some base condition, Or look on weakness outraged and be | still. - Better, far better, that my son were lying/ Fordone and shattered on the stricken "field; Better, far better, that my boy were dying, Where freemen, sore forfoughten, scorrf to yield. I love him not? Ah, me! Too well I love him, To have him live at ease, full fed and whole, A recreant to the righteous God above him. A traitor to his birthright and his soul. I

A guillotine has just been erected in the market place at Gothenburg, Switzerland. It is intended for a laudable purpose, and will be used to decapitate ducks and chickens.