William Wetmore Story 1819-1895 John Bartlett

I sing the hymn of the conquered, who fell in the Battle of Life,— 1
The hymn of the wounded, the beaten, who died overwhelmed in the strife….
The hymn of the low and the humble, the weary, the broken in heart,
Who strove and who failed, acting bravely a silent and desperate part.

Io Victis.

And all but their faith overthrown.

Io Victis.

They only the victory win
Who have fought the good fight and have vanquished the demon that tempts us within;
Who have held to their faith unseduced by the prize that the world holds on high;
Who have dared for a high cause to suffer, resist, fight—if need be, to die.

Io Victis.

Of every noble work the silent part is best,
Of all expression that which can not be expressed.

The Unexpressed.

Ah me! the vision has vanished,
The music has died away!

Cleopatra.

Note 1.
Whitman: To a Foiled European Revolutionaire; Now it seems to me, when it can not be helped that defeat is great. [back]

Contents -AUTHOR INDEX -CONCORDANCE INDEX -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD