"Let us strengthen in our hearts the resolution to carry on the struggle. with the help of God, to the complete triumph of the Russian arms."—THE CZAR TO HIS PEOPLE (1915). HEROIC words, like a trumpet's blast They quiver thro' the soul; The spirit leaps, and the blood runs fast, The flag is nailed, and the die is cast, The Present strides o'er the grave of Past, Stern-eyed, towards the goal. And great winds whirl with the stern refrain Afar on lightning breath, And hearts grown weary pulse again, Its lava thrilling every vein, As mighty cohorts onward strain To victory or to Death. Sublimely simple in fervent might The tonic message rolls, O'erleaping shades of gloomy night, And gun wrack wreathing o'er the fight, It soars toward the day-star's light, And echoes round the poles. You craven souls, who see us sped, Take heart of grace, and hear The voice of living, dying, dead, Of blood that's offered, blood that's shed; Grip tight the sword, lift high the head; What fear you worse than fear? And you who pose before the throng That men may hear your name, Fling down the paltry stick and gong, Do something manly, something strong, Uphold your country, right or wrong, And earn a cleaner fame. O noble words, that steel the heart, All powerful to defend: Take each his cross and bear the smart, Tho' eyes wax dim and tear-drops start, 'Tis God's to join and God's to part— Endure Unto The End. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SLEEPY HOLLOW by WILLIAM ELLERY CHANNING (1817-1901) FRAGMENT 113 by HILDA DOOLITTLE LOVE SONG by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS |