Classic Poem

( IT IS A CURIOUS COINCIDENCE THAT ATTILA AND THE KAISER WERE BOTH TURNED BACK AT THE MARNE )

Down through dim centuries of shame,
While worthier names live not,
How faithful is the evil fame
By Attila begot!
How Aquileia flaunts his name,
Though hers is nigh forgot!

But now appears a shade malign
Eclipsing the eclipse —
A name, of horror such a sign
It grates upon the lips —
Whom History down her endless line
Shall scourge with scorpion whips.

Was it but chance Marne's slender stream
Saw both these tyrants foiled —
That here the Hun's imperial dream
Twice from the foe recoiled,
As from a cliff the wave's extreme
To which the tide has toiled?

Did memory of Marne's renown
Make of its name a shield
When the new Attila swept down
By hill and startled field
And thought to summon Paris town
Her keys of might to yield?

Or — as rapt witnesses averred —
Loomed there against the sky
A host of heaven, as white as curd,
That, leaning from on high,
Gave strength against the swarming herd
'Neath God's impatient eye?

River of Liberty, now to be
New comrade of the Seine
That bore Jeanne's ashes tenderly
Down to the eager main:
Marne, that henceforth shall add a plea
To the " Marseillaise " refrain!

Once more returns to these green banks
The shifting line of hope;
Once more the earth's relumined ranks
With hosts of darkness cope;
Once more to heaven go up the thanks
And prayers of those who grope.

God of Just Battles! knowing well
Our purpose and Thy plan,
Here, where beleaguered legions fell
To save the world from clan,
Oh, give us victory, lest Hell
Unteach us love of Man.