 | Sonnets, Lyrics and Translations |  |
23
ARMS OLD AND NEW.
How chang'd our warfare and the arms we wield!The Phalanx, once the Macedonian's pride,
Has fled dishearten'd from the battle-field,
Since Flamininus pierced its wounded side:
Gone is the Roman Legion's tramp and clang:
The Ram assaults not now the leaguer'd wall;
Our English Bowman is beyond recall—
The Rifle cracks where late the arrow sang!
The Trumpet lingers yet beyond them all,
But to its voice no mail-clad warrior hies,
Nor lifts a shield against the cannon-ball;
High up the Shrapnel holds its burning breath;
Within our bays the grim Torpedo lies,—
We arm the depths above us and beneath!
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