WHAT does our soldier take to war? So much we cannot give him more: Thanks, that in him a sword we draw Tempered by liberty and law; Faith in his honor, that is ours -- A letter writ to baleful powers; Envy, that he it is, not we, To welcome peril over-sea; Pride, that our land shall worship long At altars by his valor strong; Love, that in absence is more dear And made more tender by its fear; His country's praises, spirit-pure, In life or death, for him secure: These shall go with him, and what more Could knightly soldier take to war? |