The Only Hero Known To My Childhood

It Is A Good Rule Never To See Or Talk To The Man Whose Words Have Wrung Your Heart, Or Helped It, Just As It Is Wise Not To Look Down Too Closely At The Luminous Glow Which Sometimes Shines On Your Path On A Summer Night, If You Would Not See The Ugly Worm Below.

For, After All, Put It As We May To Ourselves, We Are All Of Us From Birth To Death Guests At A Table Which We Did Not Spread.

You Were Only Truly Patriotic If You Had A Laborer For A Grandfather And Were Glad Of It.

But Remember, I Am No Politician, And No Seer Into Souls.

Our Young People Have Come To Look Upon War As A Kind Of Beneficent Deity, Which Not Only Adds To The National Honor But Uplifts A Nation And Develops Patriotism And Courage. That Is All True. But It Is Only Fair, Too, To Let Them Know That The Garments Of The Deity Are Filthy And That Some Of Her Influences Debase And Befoul A People.