In Honour Of America, 1917

IN ANTITHESIS TO ROSSETTI'S "ON THE REFUSAL OF AID BETWEEN NATIONS"

Not that the earth is changing, O my God! Not that her brave democracies take heart To share, to rule her treasure, to impart The wine to those who long the wine-press trod; Not therefore trust we that beneath Thy nod, Thy silent benediction, even now In gratitude so many nations bow, So many poor: not therefore, O my God!

But because living men for dying man Go to a million deaths, to deal one blow; And justice speaks one great compassionate tongue; And nation unto nation calls "One clan We succourers are, one tribe!" By this we know Our earth holds confident, steadfast, being young.

"LORD, I OWE THEE A DEATH" Richard Hooker