He left his wife, his home, his all, The chosen ruler of his race, As one who marches forth to fall, The light of Duty on his face. His daughter with her little child Welcomed him on his lonely way; He kissed them both, then sadly smiled: Fate summoned him -- he might not stay. The fluttering streets, the plaudits loud, The passionate greetings of the crowd, The civic feast, the guarded state, Might drown awhile the voice of Fate. Aside he bade his escort stand, And let the people press his hand; Nearer they draw -- a flash, a start, A dagger stabs him to the heart. A gasp, a pang, a piercing pain, A gush of blood, a choking breath; The surgeon's skill endured in vain, And, ere Love came to tend him, Death. * * * * Dark Powers of Evil everywhere Encompass us in earth and air; Nor there alone, but deadlier roll Deep through each maimed malignant soul. To Pain and Death, though Duty lead, Men's faithful feet shall follow still, Possessed by her imperious creed, And creatures of a Hidden Will. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A POST-IMPRESSIONIST SUSURRATION FOR THE FIRST OF NOVEMBER by HAYDEN CARRUTH ETERNITY BLUES by HAYDEN CARRUTH I PAY MY DEBT FOR LAFAYETTE AND ROCHAMBEAU' by EDGAR LEE MASTERS SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE: 6 by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING |