THE NEW ALLY
THEIR great grey ships go plunging forth;
The waves, wind-wakened from the north,
Swarm up their bows and fall away,
And wash the air with golden spray.
Far off is flung their battle-line;
Far off their great guns flame and shine;
And we are one with them—we rise
With dawning thunder in our eyes
To join the embattled hosts that kept
Their pact with freedom while we slept!
THE CHOICE
1917
(The American Spirit Speaks)
TO the judge of Right and Wrong
With Whom fulfilment lies
Our purpose and our power belong,
Our faith and sacrifice.
Let Freedom's Land rejoice!
Our ancient bonds are riven;
Once more to us the eternal choice
Of Good or Ill is given.
Not at a little cost,
Hardly by prayers or tears,
Shall we recover the road we lost
In the drugged and doubting years.
But after the fires and the wrath,
But, after searching and pain,
His Mercy opens us a path
To live with ourselves again.
