18.04.2012, 11:49
War
Not for thy self we love thee, spirit dread,
Nor for the pomp that crowns thy glittering field,
Nor for the golden lives thy touch hath sealed,
Nor for our joy in all thy glorious dead,
But knowing that from life-blood thou hast shed
Springs the brave life that is our stay and shield,
And that thine awful glory first revealed
The paths of light wherein our noblest tread.
This is the dread antinomy of God-
That utter might and mercy are but one,
That slow from discord rounds the perfect whole,
That wisdom walks with terror girt and shod,
That heaven is lovely through the warrior sun,
And peace abides in earth's most valiant soul.
Not for thy self we love thee, spirit dread,
Nor for the pomp that crowns thy glittering field,
Nor for the golden lives thy touch hath sealed,
Nor for our joy in all thy glorious dead,
But knowing that from life-blood thou hast shed
Springs the brave life that is our stay and shield,
And that thine awful glory first revealed
The paths of light wherein our noblest tread.
This is the dread antinomy of God-
That utter might and mercy are but one,
That slow from discord rounds the perfect whole,
That wisdom walks with terror girt and shod,
That heaven is lovely through the warrior sun,
And peace abides in earth's most valiant soul.