How changed our warfare and the arms we wield! The Phalanx, once the Macedonian's pride, Has fled dishearten'd from the battle-field, Since Flamininus pierced its wounded side: Gone is the Roman Legion's tramp and clang: The Ram assaults not now the leaguer'd wall; Our English Bowman is beyond recall - The Rifle cracks where late the arrow sang! The Trumpet lingers yet beyond them all, But to its voice no mail-clad warrior hies, Nor lifts a shield against the cannon-ball; High up the Shrapnel holds its burning breath; Within our bays the grim Torpedo lies, - We arm the depths above us and beneath! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...COLLOQUE SENTIMENTAL by PAUL VERLAINE DEATH AND DOCTOR HORNBOOK; A TRUE STORY by ROBERT BURNS SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: EDITOR WHEDON by EDGAR LEE MASTERS CORYDON by LUCIUS MORRIS BEEBE HINC LACHRIMAE; OR THE AUTHOR TO AURORA: 17 by WILLIAM BOSWORTH |