Page:Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War.djvu/69



Plain be the phrase, yet apt the verse,

More ponderous than nimble;

For since grimed War here laid aside

His Orient pomp, 'twould ill befit

Overmuch to ply

The Rhyme's barbaric cymbal.

Hail to victory without the gaud

Of glory; zeal that needs no fans

Of banners; plain mechanic power

Plied cogently in War now placed—

Where War belongs—

Among the trades and artisans.

Yet this was battle, and intense—

Beyond the strife of fleets heroic;

Deadlier, closer, calm 'mid storm;