THEY veiled their souls with laughter
 And many a mocking pose,
These lads who follow after
 Wherever Freedom goes;
These lads we used to censure
 For levity and ease,
On Freedom's high adventure
 Go shining overseas.

Our springing tears adore them,
 These boys at school and play,
Fair-fortuned years before them,
 Alas!  but yesterday;
Divine with sudden splendor
 -- Oh, how our eyes were blind!  --
In careless self-surrender
 They battle for mankind.

Soldiers of Freedom!  Gleaming
 And golden they depart,
Transfigured by the dreaming
 Of boyhood's hidden heart.
Her lovers they confess them
 And, rushing on her foes,
Toss her their youth -- God bless them!  --
 As lightly as a rose.