Page:Canadian poems of the great war.djvu/49

 Bliss Carman The German against that hope forlorn Broke his drive like a crumpled horn. Their right was weakened, their left was thin, Their centre was almost driven in, When the tide of battle turned with a rush, For France was—there and Ferdinand Foch.

Not since Garibaldi's stroke Freed his land from the Austrian yoke, And Italy after a thousand years Walked in beauty among her peers,— Not since Nelson followed the star Of Freedom to triumph at Trafalgar On the tossing floor of the Western seas,— No, not since Miltiades Fronted the Persian hosts and won Against the tyrant at Marathon, Has a greater defender of liberty Stood and struck for the cause than he,— Whose right was weakened, whose left was thin, Whose centre was almost driven in, But whose iron courage no fate could crush Nor hinder. 'I shall advance,' said Foch.

We who are left to carry the fray For civilization on today, The war of the angels for goodly right Against the devil of brutish might,— The war for manhood, mercy, and love, And peace with honour all price above,— What shall we answer, how prepare, For Destiny's challenge, Who goes there? And pass with the willing and worthy to give Life, that freedom and faith may live? When promise and patience are wearing thin, When endurance is almost driven in, When our angels stand in a waiting hush, Remember the Marne and Ferdinand Foch!