WHAT high adventure, in what world afar, Follows to-day, Mid ampler air, Heroic Guynemer? What star, Of all the myriad planets of our night, Is by his glowing presence made more bright Who chose the Dangerous way, Scorning, while brave men died, ignobly safe to stay? Into the unknown Vast, Where few could follow him, he passed,— On to the gate—the shadowy gate— Of the Forbidden, Seeking the knowledge jealous Fate Had still so carefully from mortals hidden. With vision falcon-keen, His eyes beheld what others had not seen, And his soul, with as clear a gaze, Pierced through each clouded maze Straight to the burning heart of things, and knew The lying from the true. A dweller in Immensity, Of naught afraid, He saw the havoc Tyranny had made,— Saw the relentless tide of War's advance, And high of heart and free, Vowed his young life to Liberty— And France! O Compiègne! be proud of him—thy son,— The greatest of the eagle brood,— Who with intrepid soul the foe withstood, And rests, his victories won! Mourn not uncomforted, but rather say:— @3His wings were broken, but he led the way Where myriad stronger wings shall follow;@1 For Wrong shall not hold lasting sway, To break the World's heart, nor betray With cruel pledges hollow! To us the battle draweth near. We dedicate ourselves again, Remembering, O Compiègne! Thy Charioteer— Thy peerless one, who died to make men free, And in Man's grateful heart shall live immortally! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MY YOUTH by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES THE MEN BEHIND THE GUNS by JOHN JEROME ROONEY A PRAYER by EDWARD ROWLAND SILL THE OLD CAMP; WRITTEN IN A ROMAN FORTIFICATION IN BAVARIA by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN THE RIVER FIGHT; APRIL 18, 1862 by HENRY HOWARD BROWNELL PIETRO OF ABANO by ROBERT BROWNING |