War Lyrics dedicated to the friends of the dead. By A. and L. Shore. Second edition, with additions |
 |
THE BANQUET. |
 | War Lyrics |  |
THE BANQUET.
Come the maimed, the halt, the blind,
Welcome to a royal feast!
'Tis the banquet that mankind
Gives to those it loves the best.
Welcome to a royal feast!
'Tis the banquet that mankind
Gives to those it loves the best.
80
Banquet of no giddy revel!
'Tis the solemn joy that pays
To the Conquerors of Evil
Immortalities of praise.
'Tis the solemn joy that pays
To the Conquerors of Evil
Immortalities of praise.
Hail you guests no longer living!
Silently we keep your place;
Rank no vain distinction giving,
Welcome all the laurelled race!
Silently we keep your place;
Rank no vain distinction giving,
Welcome all the laurelled race!
Leader to the pit of death,
Follower with a step as free,
Bounding back with throbbing breath—
Bring your wreaths for us to see!
Follower with a step as free,
Bounding back with throbbing breath—
Bring your wreaths for us to see!
Weary with triumphant toil,
Come with wounds, or rise from graves!
All in rich attire—the spoil
Seized in War's dark treasure caves.
Come with wounds, or rise from graves!
All in rich attire—the spoil
Seized in War's dark treasure caves.
81
On your hearts that leapt toward danger
Glory lights her flaming star,
Blood-red marvel to the stranger,
England's seal to times afar.
Glory lights her flaming star,
Blood-red marvel to the stranger,
England's seal to times afar.
Each who poured his blood like wine,
Gave his body for a prey,
Battle's wreck, yet Glory's shrine,
Be his country's guest to-day!
Gave his body for a prey,
Battle's wreck, yet Glory's shrine,
Be his country's guest to-day!
A. March 3, 1855.
| War Lyrics | |