30.04.2012, 20:18
The Second Anniversary Of War
Two years, since heaven was blotted from our sight
In swirling storm; two years, that forced the cry
Of pain, to watch our friend and kinsman die;
And doubt, and dread, and rumour of the night -
And patience in our goddess, angry-bright,
Erect and sure against that weltering sky,
Till the collected lightning of her eye
Leap forth and slay the banded foes of right.
For hers our cause is, hers, whose voice the Greek
First heard, the call that hallow'd man to wreak
God's doom upon the wrong that earth abhors:
Whence yet the freeman hath prerogative,
And faith, and strength, and victory: - "Whoso wars
On Justice, to deny her, must not live."
Two years, since heaven was blotted from our sight
In swirling storm; two years, that forced the cry
Of pain, to watch our friend and kinsman die;
And doubt, and dread, and rumour of the night -
And patience in our goddess, angry-bright,
Erect and sure against that weltering sky,
Till the collected lightning of her eye
Leap forth and slay the banded foes of right.
For hers our cause is, hers, whose voice the Greek
First heard, the call that hallow'd man to wreak
God's doom upon the wrong that earth abhors:
Whence yet the freeman hath prerogative,
And faith, and strength, and victory: - "Whoso wars
On Justice, to deny her, must not live."