Langdon Elwyn Mitchell (1862–1935)

WITH acclamation and with trumpet tone,

With prayer and praise, and with triumphal state

Of warlike columns, and the moving weight

Of men, whose firmness, never overthrown,

Proved itself steadfast; which did add to fate

Speed, vision, certainty, and ever grown

More terrible as more enduring shone

A fire of retribution and swift hate,

All visibly advancing—with these we keep

Unsullied in our breast and pure and white

The spirit of gratitude that may not sleep,—

A nation’s safeguard against shame and blight,—

Since sacred memories and the tears men weep

Alone can keep a nation at its height.