How changed our warfare and the arms we wield! The Phalanx, once the Macedonian's pride, Has fled dishearten'd from the battle-field, Since Flamininus pierced its wounded side: Gone is the Roman Legion's tramp and clang: The Ram assaults not now the leaguer'd wall; Our English Bowman is beyond recall - The Rifle cracks where late the arrow sang! The Trumpet lingers yet beyond them all, But to its voice no mail-clad warrior hies, Nor lifts a shield against the cannon-ball; High up the Shrapnel holds its burning breath; Within our bays the grim Torpedo lies, - We arm the depths above us and beneath! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CURE FOR AFFLICTIONS by ARCHILOCHUS THE INTREPID MARINER by WILLIAM ROSE BENET THE PROPHECY OF ST. ORAN by MATHILDE BLIND DEAD MAN'S RUN by MADISON JULIUS CAWEIN SPRING SALMON by PATRICK REGINALD CHALMERS |