Their Victory Won

WAN-VISAGED Azrael, in a darkened room, 'Mid stifled sobs and pleadings full of fear, I first was made to know thy presence drear; And I supposed thee dweller of a tomb Where quickly fade all fairest things that bloom: All loves, ambitions, dreams, that men hold dear. But now, O Death, beholding thee more near, How changed thy look! how glorified thy gloom!

In the wide Open, 'neath a summer sky, Bending above thy chosen, where they lie Upon the hard-won fields of Victory, This have they taught me—these so young, so brave, Who smiling gave their all, the world to save— Life is not lovelier than death may be!