Harmonies (Howe collection)/The Valiant
THE VALIANT
Not for the star-crowned heroes, the men that conquer and slay,
But a song for those that bore them, the mothers braver than they!
With never a blare of trumpets, with never a surge of cheers,
They march to the unseen hazard—pale, patient volunteers;
No hate in their hearts to steel them,—with love for a circling shield,
To the mercy of merciless nature their fragile selves they yield.
Now God look down in pity, and temper Thy sternest law;
From the field of dread and peril bid Pain his troops withdraw!
Then unto her peace triumphant let each spent victor win,
Though life be bruised and trembling,—yet, lit from a flame within
Is the wan sweet smile of conquest, gained without war's alarms,
The woman's smile of victory for the new life safe in her arms.
But a song for those that bore them, the mothers braver than they!
With never a blare of trumpets, with never a surge of cheers,
They march to the unseen hazard—pale, patient volunteers;
No hate in their hearts to steel them,—with love for a circling shield,
To the mercy of merciless nature their fragile selves they yield.
Now God look down in pity, and temper Thy sternest law;
From the field of dread and peril bid Pain his troops withdraw!
Then unto her peace triumphant let each spent victor win,
Though life be bruised and trembling,—yet, lit from a flame within
Is the wan sweet smile of conquest, gained without war's alarms,
The woman's smile of victory for the new life safe in her arms.
So not for the star-crowned heroes, the men that conquer and slay,
But a song for those that bore them, the mothers braver than they!
But a song for those that bore them, the mothers braver than they!