He was a soldier to his last-drawn breath -- No uniform was his, nor keen-edged blade To bow his enemies in dust and death -- Far nobler, sterner was the fight he made; The torch of Truth was lighted by his pen; He added words, more words -- the flames leaped higher; He burned his peace to right a wrong for men, And, last, he laid himself upon the fire. The lord looked down and said, "Thy work is done; Thou art my faithful servant and thrice blest; They will go on with this thou hast begun -- Come unto Me and I will give thee rest." -- The wash of years can not efface his name -- It lights the world with Truth's undying flame. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONNET: TO L.T. IN FLORENCE by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH SONG FOR THE NEWBORN by MARY HUNTER AUSTIN AUGUST SUNSET OVER LAKE CHAMPLAIN by FRANK A. BALCH THE OUTCAST'S DREAM by OLIVE BELL ZOPHIEL; OR THE BRIDE OF SEVEN: CANTO 2. DEATH OF ALTHEETOR by MARIA GOWEN BROOKS DEAD OUT-OF-DOORS by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON |