From the Evening Star, August 11, 1913. By Philander Johnson.

I’d like to have lived in the classic days
When luxuries that would now amaze
Were common; when splendid sybarites
In feasting would pass their days and nights.
And yet when patricians boldly shirk
There must be people to do the work.
Had I been there it would be my luck
To be left outside to unload the truck.

I’d like to march with the heroes bold,
Where the music sounds and the flags unfold.
When through dreams like these our fancies flit
We always imagine that we’d be It.
And yet I’ll wager that should I be
A soldier brave they’d allot to me
No medals bright to adorn my tent.
I’d be cooking beans for the regiment.