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. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MY DEARLING by ELIZABETH AKERS ALLEN COWPER'S GRAVE by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING HAILSTORM IN MAY by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS THE GRAVE OF LOVE by THOMAS LOVE PEACOCK TO - (2) by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY |