The Countersign

On guard my heavy Heart did stand, And sleep had conquered her, Had not one cold and rigid hand Gripped honor like a spur.

It was the starkest watch of all, The hour before the end. Out rang the startled challenge-call: “Halt! Who goes there?” “A Friend.”

“The countersign?” my spent Heart cried, And forward-peering stood. A Voice as strange as sweet replied: “The word is BROTHERHOOD.”