The generals of lesser breed Through scenes of death and desolation And human woe and human need Have won their crimson elevation; But you, our General of Peace, Have gained your dignity supernal By captives' ransom and release, And souls redeemed from death eternal. The other generals through blood Have waded to their dreadful glory. What fruitage ruined in the bud! What end of youth's fair opening story! But yours the happy skill to close The wounds of man and class and nation; The only blood your banner knows, The Blood that won a world's salvation. O wielder of a mighty sword That pierces hearts with thrusts of blessing, The sword of Gideon and the Lord, To high crusades your arms addressing, Long may it war with human guilt; And when at last to Death you yield it, May some one worthy of its hilt In God's name seize the sword and wield it! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE BRITISH CHURCH by GEORGE HERBERT ITALY SWEET TOO! by JOHN KEATS HENDECASYLLABICS by ALFRED TENNYSON SURCEASE by ALICE GARDNER ADAMS DUSK; TO MADEMOISELLE MARIE LAURENCIN by GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE TO MISS JESSY LEWARS by ROBERT BURNS GLIMPSES OF CHILDHOOD: 3. THE DOLLS' HOSPITAL by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON TOWARDS DEMOCRACY: PART 4. SPENDING THE NIGHT ALONE by EDWARD CARPENTER |