THE WINDS OF WAR-NEWS

By Henry Van Dyke

The winds of war-news change and veer

Now westerly and full of cheer,

Now easterly, depressing, sour

With tidings of the Teutons’ power.

But thou, America, whose heart

With brave Allies has taken part,

Be not a weathercock to change

With these wild winds that shift and range.

Be thou a compass ever true,

Through sullen clouds or skies of blue,

To that great star which rules the night,—

The star of Liberty and Right.

Lover of peace, oh set thy soul,

Thy strength, thy wealth, thy conscience whole,

To win the peace thine eyes foresee,—

The triumph of Democracy.