THEY went forth to battle, but they always fell; Their eyes were fixed above the sullen shields; Nobly they fought and bravely, but not well, And sank heart-wounded by a subtle spell. They knew not fear that to the foeman yields, They were not weak, as one who vainly wields A futile weapon; yet the sad scrolls tell How on the hard-fought field they always fell. It was a secret music that they heard, A sad sweet plea for pity and for peace; And that which pierced the heart was but a word, Though the white breast was red-lipped where the sword Pressed a fierce cruel kiss, to put surcease On its hot thirst, but drank a hot increase. Ah, they by some strange troubling doubt were stirred, And died for hearing what no foeman heard. They went forth to battle but they always fell; Their might was not the might of lifted spears; Over the battle-clamor came a spell Of troubling music, and they fought not well. Their wreaths are willows and their tribute, tears; Their names are old sad stories in men'''s cars; Yet they will scatter the red hordes of Hell, Who went to battle forth and always fell | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE CHANT OF THE VULTURES by EDWIN MARKHAM CASEY AT THE BAT (2) by ERNEST LAWRENCE THAYER MANHATTAN ARMING by WALT WHITMAN DUSK; TO MADEMOISELLE MARIE LAURENCIN by GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE THE IMPROVISATORE: THE INDUCTION TO THE SECOND FYTTE by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES AWAKENING by HARRY RANDOLPH BLYTHE |