Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, GENERAL LEW WALLACE, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

GENERAL LEW WALLACE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Nay, death, thou mightiest of all
Last Line: Above the pagan throne.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Autumn; Death; Flags; Seasons; Fall; Dead, The


FEBRUARY 15, 1905

NAY, Death, thou mightiest of all
Dread conquerors -- thou dreadest chief, --
Thy heavy hand can here but fall
Light as the Autumn leaf:
As vainly, too, its weight is laid
Upon the warrior's knightly sword; --
Still through the charge and cannonade
It flashes for the Lord.

In forum -- as in battle-field --
His voice rang for the truth -- the right --
Keyed with the shibboleth that pealed
His Soul forth to the fight:
The inspiration of his pen
Glowed as a star, and lit anew
The faces and the hearts of men
Watching, the long night through.

A destiny ordained -- divine
It seemed to hosts of those who saw
His rise since youth and marked the line
Of his ascent with awe: --
From the now-storied little town
That gave him birth and worth, behold,
Unto this day of his renown,
His sword and word of gold.

Serving the Land he loved so well --
Hailed midsea or in foreign port,
Or in strange-bannered citadel
Or Oriental Court, --
He -- honored for his Nation's sake,
And loved and honored for his own --
Hath seen his Flag in glory shake
Above the Pagan Throne.





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