The battle-wake like a steamer's trail,
And a heaving as of waves in a gale,
Rising and falling and rising!

And out of the air, and up from the plain,
The ancient battle-story!--
Of stricken love and laughter slain,
And hearts beneath the hoofs of pain--
But not a breath of human gain,
And not a word of glory.




MAKERS OF MADNESS




CHARACTERS

_In the Capital of Iberia_:

THE KING
THE PRIME MINISTER
THE MINISTER OF WAR
THE CHIEF OF STAFF
A SECRETARY
OFFICERS