Page:Marching Men - War Verses (1917).pdf/24



OLDIER, be thy blade to-night Keen and hungry, ruthless, bright; Be thy strong right arm unsparing, Swift to do thy spirit's daring; Let the God within thee waken, Lead thee onward to thy height, Let no citadel be taken In thy hidden self to-night, But with soul resolved, unshaken, Trust the larger faith and fight!

Heir art thou of all the past; Let its judgments bind thee fast. Let the ages speak again Through the hearts of living men; Never was such passion laid On our shrinking flesh as now, Never such a price was paid For the fealty men avow; Soldier, this my prayer to-night, That thy fathers serve thee well, That their blood and valor tell, And thy living sword a-light Charge the very gates of Hell— For the God of ages fight!