 | The collected works of Ambrose Bierce |  |
57
ARMA VIRUMQUE
“Ours is a Christian army”; so he saidA regiment of bangomen who led.
“And ours a Christian navy,” added he
Who sailed a thunder-junk upon the sea.
Better they know than men unwarlike do
What is an army, and a navy too.
Pray God there may be sent them by-and-by
The knowledge what a Christian is, and why.
For somewhat lamely the conception runs
Of a brass-buttoned Jesus firing guns.
| The collected works of Ambrose Bierce | |