��NOX-COMBATAXT
Before one drop of angry blood was shed I was sore hurt and beaten to my knee ;
Before one fighting man reeled back and died The War-Lords struck at me.
They struck me down — an idle, useless mouth, As cumbrous — nay, more cumbrous — than the dead,
With life and heart afire to give and give I take a dole instead.
With life and heart afire to give and give
I take and eat the bread of charity. In all the length of all this eager land,
No man has need of me.
That is my hurt — my burning, beating wound ;
That is the spear-thrust driven through my pride ! With aimless hands, and mouth that must be fed,
I wait and stand aside.
Let me endure it, then, with stiffened lip :
I, even I, have suffered in the strife I Let me endure it then — I give my pride
Where others give a life. _ (^i^^i^ Hamilton.
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