The generals of lesser breed Through scenes of death and desolation And human woe and human need Have won their crimson elevation; But you, our General of Peace, Have gained your dignity supernal By captives' ransom and release, And souls redeemed from death eternal. The other generals through blood Have waded to their dreadful glory. What fruitage ruined in the bud! What end of youth's fair opening story! But yours the happy skill to close The wounds of man and class and nation; The only blood your banner knows, The Blood that won a world's salvation. O wielder of a mighty sword That pierces hearts with thrusts of blessing, The sword of Gideon and the Lord, To high crusades your arms addressing, Long may it war with human guilt; And when at last to Death you yield it, May some one worthy of its hilt In God's name seize the sword and wield it! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE BLACK RUNNER by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON ON THE PROPOSAL TO ERECT A MONUMENT IN ENGLAND TO LORD BYRON by EMMA LAZARUS CONSECRATED GROUND; READ AT THE NEW YORK CITY HALL by EDWIN MARKHAM FACADE: 24. AN OLD WOMAN LAMENTS IN SPRINGTIME by EDITH SITWELL |