The tide of things should flow less troubled, sure; To clear its current sages do impart Their wisdom, and the poet's pitying heart Pours in its crystal tribute, bright and pure; But still doth War present a mighty lure To many minds; a charm which lulls to rest Compunctious thought, and mails the obdurate breast With triple-plated iron, to endure The shock of children's cries and woman's tears, Untouch'd, unsoften'd, and without a sigh; O Glory without Honour! Helms and spears School to a ruthless calm the warrior's eye; 'Carnage' he means, when he cries 'Victory', And barren battle hath his hopes and fears! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...GETTING A PURCHASE by KAREN SWENSON THE LAST CHANTEY by RUDYARD KIPLING DOROTHY IN THE GARRET by JOHN TOWNSEND TROWBRIDGE AT A COWBOY DANCE by JAMES BARTON ADAMS TEN YEARS AFTER by JOSEPH AUSLANDER FELIX OPPORTUNITATE MORTIS by ALFRED AUSTIN FLOATING HEARTS by GEORGE BRADFORD BARTLETT INVOCATION by CHARLES BAUDELAIRE TO HIS WIFE WITH A KNIFE ON THE 14TH ANNIVERSARY OF HER WEDDING DAY by SAMUEL BISHOP |