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The Armies of the Wilderness.
They could have joined them in their sport
But for the vale's deep rent.
And others turned the reddish soil,
Like diggers of graves they bent:
The reddish soil and tranching toil
Begat presentiment.
Did the Fathers feel mistrust?
Can no final good be wrought?
Over and over, again and again
Must the fight for the Right be fought?
They lead a Gray-back to the crag:
"Your earth-works yonder—tell us, man"
"A prisoner—no deserter, I,
Nor one of the tell-tale clan"
His rags they mark: "True-blue like you
Should wear the color—your Country's, man"
He grinds his teeth: "However that be,
Yon earth-works have their plan."
Such brave ones, foully snared
By Belial's wily plea,
Were faithful unto the evil end—
Feudal fidelity.
