TO THE RETURNING BRAVE.

New Zealand Tablet, 30 October 1919, Page 9

TO THE RETURNING BRAVE.

Victorious knights without reproach or fear "'-" ' As close as man is ever to the stars! — Our welcome met you on the ocean drear In loud, free winds and sunset's golden bars. Here, at our bannered gate Love, honor, laurels wait. Though you be humble, we are proud, and, in your stead, elate. Fame shall not tiro to tell, no sordid stafn Lies on your purpose, on your record- none. No broken word, no violated fane, No winning one would wish had ne'er been won. You were our message sent To the torn Continent; That with its hope and faith henceforth our faith and hope are blent. You of our new, our homespun chivalry, :•' Here is our welcomein- all women's eyes, The envious handclasp, romping children's glee, Music, and color, and glad tears that rise. Here every voice of Peace Shall bruit our joy, nor cease To vie with shotless guns to shout your blameless victories. But, though you are a part of all men's pride, And from your fortitude new nations date, Oh, lay not yet your sacred steel aside, . But save it for the still-imperilled state. You who have bound a girth Of new hope around the earth, Should its firm bond be loosened here, what were your struggles worth? A redder peril dogs tho path of war; With fire and poison wanton children play; And fickle crowds toward new pretenders pour Who summon demons they can never lay. Already we can hear, Importunately hear, The snarling of the savage crew, half fury and half jeer. Then hang not up your arms till you have taught Tho ungrateful guests about our hearth and board That in your swift encounter has been wrought -;'JT:v*? A keener edge to our reluctant sword. v You who know well . the price , : : ' Of the great sacrifice '"■ • , Your courage-saved us once; pray Heaven, it need not save us twice. > And those who come not back, who mutely lie By Marne or Meuse or tangled Argonne wood, -rf' v.J Were it to lose the gain (let them reply -fc Would we recall their spirits Hf we could! - Open your ranks ''and save "-"."■-'••.'•'•Tlieir places with the brave, That Liberty may : greet: you all, her shields of land and wave. aseajjepg' ■ --:: =.. a j: .,::..:- .-■>.- ■.:,.-.. ,'.-. '. ■- .- *s& "$> ;/>•;: Robert Underwood Johnson. V.