English poem
The Gods Remember
by Florence Earle Coates (1850–1927)
THE Gods remember always. We forget, But they forget not: every debt Howe'er we palter and evade, Maturing, must be paid.
They pity us, the Gods, but naught forgive, Lest we, who slowly learn to live— Children scarce wiser in our age than youth— Should come to doubt their truth!
Loving the brave who strive and will not yield Though hurt and fallen on the field, They teach us not from death to fly, Lest we, indeed, should die!
For 'tis their will the soul shall rise Above its earthly agonies: Triumphant rise, as from the pyre A Phœnix, winged by fire!