WE ARE WITH FRANCE

We are with France — not by the ties

Of treaties made with tongue in cheek,

The ancient diplomatic lies,

The paper promises that seek

To hide the long maturing guile,

Planning destruction with a smile.

We are with France by bonds no seal

Of the stamped wax and tape can make,

Bonds no surprise of ambushed steel

With sneering devil's laughter break;

Nor need we any plighted speech

For our deep concord, each with each.

As ancient comrades tried and true

No new exchange of vows demand,

Each knows of old what each will do,

Nor needs to talk to understand;

So France with us and we with France —

Enough the gesture and the glance.

In a shared dream our loves began,

Together fought one fight and won,

The Dream Republican of Man,

And now as then our dream is one;

Still as of old our hearts unite

To dream and battle for the Right.

Nor memories alone are ours,

But purpose for the Future strong,

Across the seas two signal towers,

Keeping stern watch against the Wrong;

Seeking, with hearts of deep accord,

A better wisdom than the Sword.

We are with France, in brotherhood

Not of the spirit's task alone,

But kin in laughter of the blood:

Where Paris glitters in the sun,

A second home, like boys, we find,

And leave our grown-up cares behind.