Page:Dreams and Dust, by Don Marquis.djvu/38

 But Truth (you say) makes tyrants quail—
 * Beats down embattled Wrong?

If truth be armed! Be not deceived.
 * The strife is to the strong.

Words are not guns. Words are not ships.
 * And ships and guns prevail.

Our liberties, that blood has gained,
 * Are guarded, or they fail.

Truth does not triumph without blows,
 * Error not tamely yields.

But falsehood closes with quick faith,
 * Fierce, on a thousand fields.

And surely, somewhat of that faith
 * Our fathers fought for clings!

Which called this freedom's hemisphere,
 * Despite Earth's leagued kings.

Great creeds grow thews, or else they die.
 * Thought clothed in deed is lord.

What are thy gods? Thy gods brought love?
 * They also brought a sword.