THE HEROIC DEAD

If in the noon they doubted, in the night

They never swerved. Death had no power to appal.

There was one Way, one Truth, one Life, one Light,

One Love that shone triumphant over all.

If in the noon they doubted, at the last

There was no Way to part, no Way but One

That rolled the waves of Nature back and cast

In ancient days a shadow across the sun.

If in the noon they doubted, their last breath

Saluted once again the eternal goal,

Chanted a love-song in the face of Death

And rent the veil of darkness from the soul.

If in the noon they doubted, in the night

They waved the shadowy world of strife aside,

Flooded high heaven with an immortal light,

And taught the deep how its Creator died.