but it is the story of a great leader of men on which I
felicitate you because of your real understanding of his character.
Christian, Frenchman, soldier, Foch will be held up as an example for
future generations as much for his high moral standard as for his
military genius.
It seems that in writing about him the style rises with the noble
sentiments which inspire him.
Thus in form of presentation as well as in substance you convey
admirably the great lesson which applies to each one of us from the
life of Marshal Foch.
Please accept, Mademoiselle, this expression of my respectful regards.
LT.-COLONEL E. REQUIN.
"THEY SHALL NOT PASS!"
Three Spirits stood on the mountain peak
And gazed on a world of red,--
Red with the blood of heroes,
The living and the dead;
A mighty force of Evil strove
With freemen, mass on mass.
Three Spirits stood on the mountain peak
And cried: "They shall not pass!"
The Spirits of Love and Sacrifice,
The Spirit of Freedom, too,--
They called to the men they had dwelt among
Of the Old World and the New!
And the men came forth at the trumpet call,
Yea, every creed and class;
And they stood with the Spirits who called to them,
And cried: "They shall not pass!"
Far down the road of the Future Day
I see the world of Tomorrow;
Men and women at work and play,
In the midst of their joy and sorrow.
And every night by the red firelight,
When the children gather 'round
They tell the tale of the men of old.
These noble ancestors, grim and bold,
Who bravely held their ground.
In thrilling accents they often speak
Of the Spirits Three on the mountain peak.
O Freedom, Love and Sacrifice
You claimed our men, alas!
Yet everlasting peace is theirs
Who cried, "They shall not pass!"
ARTHUR A. PENN.
_Reprinted by permission of M. Witmark & Sons, N. Y._
_Publishers of the musical setting to this poem._
CONTENTS
I. WHERE HE WAS BORN
Stirring traditions and historic scenes which surrounded him in
childhood.
II. BOYHOOD SURROUNDINGS
The horsemarkets at Tarbes. The school. Foch at twelve a student of
Napoleon.
III. A YOUNG SOLDIER OF A LOST CAUSE
What Foch suffered in the defeat of France by the Prussians.
IV. PARIS AFTER THE GERMANS LEFT
Foch begins his military studies, determined to be ready when France
should aga
|