Note to the brave on the battle-field
Alone, the palms of victory belong,
Nor only to the great of earth the song
Of praise and paean should the singer yield.
Greater the souls, who single-handed, wield
The battle-axe against the hosts of wrong,
Unknown, unnoted, in life’s reckless throng,
And only in God’s day to stand revealed.
Ah, by our side in patient, humble guise,
How many walk the silent conqueror’s way! -
As fixed stars in fame’s eternal skies
Their stainless luster worthiest to shine.
Unlaureled heroes! Reverently I lay
Low at your feet this tribute leaf of mine.
