Harmonies (Howe collection)/Finalities
FINALITIES
I
THE AMBUSH
Sudden turnings of the trail,
Fading footprints, clues that fail—
What may not these portents mean
When the Foe is all unseen,
And each fated pioneer
Fares along the grim frontier?
Fading footprints, clues that fail—
What may not these portents mean
When the Foe is all unseen,
And each fated pioneer
Fares along the grim frontier?
Lurking somewhere, left or right,
Near the pathway, safe from sight,
In his ambush subtly laid,
Stands the patient, hostile Shade.
Come you marching like a king;
Like a craven loitering,
Still the unconquerable Foe
Waits your coming: forward go.
Near the pathway, safe from sight,
In his ambush subtly laid,
Stands the patient, hostile Shade.
Come you marching like a king;
Like a craven loitering,
Still the unconquerable Foe
Waits your coming: forward go.
Thus along the grim frontier
Fares each fated pioneer.
Fares each fated pioneer.
II
THE LAST ENEMY
For my destined last defeat
Naught of mercy I entreat;
Only borne to earth and faint
May I fall without complaint;
But, dear Foe, for them I love
All thy mercy would I move.
Torture not their end with vain
Long vicissitudes of pain;
Though they feel thee lurking near,
Let their brave hearts laugh at fear:
Then bestow thy sweetest gift,
Smiting merciful and swift.
Yet—yet may the stroke be stayed
Till at evening, undismayed,
They shall seize the vision far
Of one reassuring star!
Naught of mercy I entreat;
Only borne to earth and faint
May I fall without complaint;
But, dear Foe, for them I love
All thy mercy would I move.
Torture not their end with vain
Long vicissitudes of pain;
Though they feel thee lurking near,
Let their brave hearts laugh at fear:
Then bestow thy sweetest gift,
Smiting merciful and swift.
Yet—yet may the stroke be stayed
Till at evening, undismayed,
They shall seize the vision far
Of one reassuring star!
Foe no longer, friendly death,
So thy horror vanisheth.
So thy horror vanisheth.