Like soldiers they took their orders, Marching to certain glory. And like soldiers they wrote From the front back to headquarters; No compromise to flatter a difficult public, But cogent reports to their General, Stark awful reality. Scourged, bitten with fire, Battling with beasts, with fever, with a novel and strange demonology; In the face of long and fastidious torture, They saved, like feathery, spring-leaved brands plucked from the burning, The souls of red children. They were nowise concerned whether the climate Might pamper a wife, what education Might nourish her offspring. Traveling light, going alone and farthest, They followed the Spirit. Many have followed their way -- Makers of books and of records Turning to splendid names: Brebeuf, Daniel, Raymbault, Jogues, first light to the Mohawk. There is the fruitful witness -- The foot-notes rise up, call them blessed -- Fathers of American History! |