“AND HE SAID, FIGHT ON”

Time and its ally, Dark Disarmament,

Have compassed me about,

Have massed their armies, and on battle bent

My forces put to rout;

But though I fight alone, and fall, and die,

Talk terms of Peace? Not I.

They war upon my fortress, and their guns

Are shattering its walls;

My army plays the cowards’ part, and runs,

Pierced by a thousand balls;

They call for my surrender. I reply,

“Give quarter now? Not I.”

They've shot my flag to ribbons, but in rents

It floats above the height;

Their ensign shall not crown my battlements

While I can stand and fight.

I fling defiance at them as I cry,

“Capitulate? Not I.”