Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE DESERTER FROM THE CAUSE, by GERALD MASSEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE DESERTER FROM THE CAUSE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: He is gone: better so. We should know
Last Line: Than live like the coward, and die like the slave!
Alternate Author Name(s): Bandiera
Subject(s): Abandonment; Cowardice; Desertion


HE is gone: better so. We should know who stand under
Our banner: let none but the trusty remain!
For there's stern work at hand, and the time comes shall sunder
The shell from the pearl, and the chaff from the grain.
And the heart that through danger and death will be dutiful,
Soul that with Cranmer in fire would shake hands,
With a life like a palace-home built for the beautiful,
Freedom of all her beloved demands.

He is gone from us! Yet shall we march on victorious,
Hearts burning like beacons -- eyes fix'd on the goal!
And if we fall fighting, we fall like the glorious,
With face to the stars, and all heaven in the soul.
And aye for the brave stir of battle we'll barter
The sword of life sheath'd in the peace of the grave;
And better the fieriest fate of the martyr,
Than live like the coward, and die like the slave!





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