The Poems of Henry Van Dyke by Henry Van Dyke
page 247 of 481 (51%)
page 247 of 481 (51%)
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And shine to bid your land advance:
The old heroic trust in God restore, Renew the brave, unselfish hopes of yore, And give a heart to France! Paris, July, 1909. NATIONAL MONUMENTS Count not the cost of honour to the dead! The tribute that a mighty nation pays To those who loved her well in former days Means more than gratitude for glories fled; For every noble man that she hath bred, Lives in the bronze and marble that we raise, Immortalised by art's immortal praise, To lead our sons as he our fathers led. These monuments of manhood strong and high Do more than forts or battle-ships to keep Our dear-bought liberty. They fortify The heart of youth with valour wise and deep; They build eternal bulwarks, and command Immortal hosts to guard our native land. February, 1905. |
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