Versos English Henry Van Dyke Vii

English poem

Vii

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Yet not for peace alone Labour the builders. Work that in peace has grown Swiftly is overthrown, When in the darkening skies Storm-clouds of wrath arise, And through the cannon's crash, War's deadly lightning-flash Smites and bewilders. Ramparts of strength must frown Round every placid town And city splendid; All that our fathers wrought With true prophetic thought, Must be defended!