Gerald Massey

The Deserter from the Cause

HE is gone: better so. We should know who stand
              under
    Our Banner: let none but the trusty remain!
For there's stern work at hand, and the time comes shall
              sunder
    The shell from the pearl, and the chaff from the grain!
And the heart that thro' danger and death will be dutiful—
    Soul that with Cranmer in fire would shake hands;
With a Life, like a palace-home built for the Beautiful;
    Freedom of all her Beloved demands!

He is gone from us!   Yet shall we march on victorious,
    Hearts burning like Beacons—eyes fixt on the Goal!
And if we fall fighting, we fall like the Glorious;
    With face to the Stars, and all heaven in the soul!
And aye for the brave stir of battle we'll barter
    The sword of life sheatht in the peace of the grave:
And better the fieriest fate of the Martyr,
    Than live like the Coward, and die like the Slave!