When for nothing you've been bawled, Though you've done your best get called, And you know you're not to blame; Force a grin, and play the game. When we're hit by some big shell, And almost catch a glimpse of hell; When we think how close we came, We'll just grin, and play the game. While our work is being done We will show the mighty Hun, In the land from whence we came, How we grin, and play the game. When the last long line is passed, And the victory's ours at last, Greater far will be the fame, If we've grinned, and played the game. THE STADIUM, PLATTSBURG I hear the mighty song of singing men Crashing among the pine-trees through the night, And thund'ring, trumpet-wise, down every glen, A song to France, whose soul is bleeding white. But hark!--out rings a deeper, stronger cry. A Nation, which has newly learned to give, Is singing as its sons go forth to die, Because, God knows, they're going forth--to live! * * * * * O little Maid of France, who rests in Heaven, Crowned with the Lilies Three (and Lilies Seven), Send us the clear-eyed Faith that came to thee, Praying beneath the pines, in Domremy. RUBAIYAT OF A PLATTSBURG CANDIDATE Awake! 'tis morning, though it should not be-- Come, can the yawns, it's speed they want to see-- And stagger forth upon a hostile world, In flannel shirt and cotton pants O. D. Before the phantoms of the night were done, Methought I idled somewhere in the sun, Debating whether beauty to pursue, Or touch a bell, and cultivate a bun. And lovely maids in garments pale did seem To shimmer round me in continuous stream, Each with a glass of something in her hand, And then I turned--and lo! it was a dream! And ere the cock crew he that stood before The barracks, shouted "Half a minute more! Belts, bayonets, and pieces--on the jump-- And signal-flags and alidades," O Lor'! I sometimes think that never battles din Were so unwelcome as the words "Fall in!" Nor any victory could taste so sweet As French vermouth with ice and Gordon gin. Yesterday's problem 'twixt the Red and Blue Involved our journey down the Road Peru; The day before we took the Peru Road-- I'll bet a hat we're there to-morrow, too.