Herman Melville,
Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War…
(1866)
“ On the Slain Collegians. [1] Youth is the time when hearts are large, And stirring wars Appeal to the spirit which appeals in turn To the blade it draws. If woman incite, and duty show (Though made the mask of Cain) , Or whether it be Truth's sacred cause, Who can aloof remain That shares youth's ardor, uncooled by the snow Of wisdom or sordid gain? ”
