Arms And The Man. - Prologue.

Full-burnished through the long-revolving years The ploughshare of a Century to-day Runs peaceful furrows where a crop of Spears Once stood in War's array. And we, like those who on the Trojan plain See hoary secrets wrenched from upturned sods; - Who, in their fancy, hear resound again The battle-cry of gods; - We now, - this splendid scene before us spread Where Freedom's full hexameter began - Restore our Epic, which the Nations read As far its thunders ran. Here visions throng on People and on Bard, Ranks all a-glitter in battalions massed And closed around as like a plum'd guard, They lead us down the Past. I see great Shapes in vague confusion march Like giant shadows, moving vast and slow, Beneath some torch-lit temple's mighty arch Where long processions go. I see these Shapes before me, all unfold, But ne'er can fix them on the lofty wall, Nor tell them, save as she of Endor told What she beheld to Saul.