General Joubert

(DIED MARCH 27, 1900)


  With those that bred, with those that loosed the strife,
    He had no part whose hands were clear of gain;
  But subtle, strong, and stubborn, gave his life
    To a lost cause, and knew the gift was vain.

  Later shall rise a people, sane and great,
    Forged in strong fires, by equal war made one;
  Telling old battles over without hate--
    Not least his name shall pass from sire to son.

  He may not meet the onsweep of our van
    In the doomed city when we close the score;
  Yet o’er his grave--his grave that holds a man--
    Our deep-tongued guns shall answer his once more!