Though I defy the howling horde <br />As bloody-browed I smite, <br />Back to the wall with shattered sword <br />When darkly dooms the night; <br />Though hoarse they cheer as I go down <br />Before their bitter odds, <br />'Tis I who win the victor's crown, <br />The guerdon of the gods. <br /> <br />For all who fall in fearless fight <br />Alight a deathless flame, <br />That glorifies the godless night <br />And fills the foe with shame. <br />'Tis they who triumph heaven-high, <br />And so in hell's despite, <br />Be mine the dauntless will to die <br />In battle for the right. <br /> <br />The rant and cant of futile folk <br />Break brittle in my ears; <br />Let me cast off the cursed yoke <br />And fall upon the spears. <br />Aye, though they mock my broken blade, <br />And stamp and spit on me, <br />Mine is the Shining Accolade, <br />The Star of Victory.<br /><br />Robert William Service<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/conqueror/
