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 tombWhere 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 lieUpon 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!