Part 10 (1/2)

THE LOST BATTLE

It is not over yet-the fight Where those immortal dreamers failed.

They stormed the citadels of night And the night praised them--and prevailed.

So long ago the cause was lost We scarce distinguish friend from foe; But--if the dead can help it most-- The armies of the dead will grow.

The world has all our banners now, And filched our watchwords for its own.

The world has crowned the ”rebel's” brow And millions crowd his lordly throne.

The masks have altered. Names are names; They praise the ”truth” that is not true.

The ”rebel” that the world acclaims Is not the rebel Sh.e.l.ley knew.

We may not build that Commonweal.

We may not reach the goal we set.

But there's a flag they dare not steal.

Forward! It is not over yet.

We shall be dust and under dust Before we end that ancient wrong; But here's a sword that cannot rust, And where's the death can touch a song?

So, when our bodies rot in earth The singing souls that once were ours, Weaponed with light and helmed with mirth, Shall front the kingdoms and the powers.

The ancient lie is on its throne, And half the living still forget; But, since the dead are all our own, Courage, it is not over yet.

RIDDLES OF MERLIN

As I was walking Alone by the sea, ”_What is that whisper?_”

Said Merlin to me.

”Only,” I answered, ”The sigh of the wave”-- ”_Oh, no_,” replied Merlin, ”_'Tis the gra.s.s on your grave_.”

As I lay dreaming In churchyard ground ”_Listen_,” said Merlin, ”_What is that sound_?”

”The green gra.s.s is growing,”

I answered; but he Chuckled, ”_Oh, no!

'Tis the sound of the sea_.”

As I went homeward At dusk by the sh.o.r.e, ”_What is that crimson?_”

Said Merlin once more.

”Only the sun,” I said.