Warriors true, ’tis no false glory <br />For which now you peril life,— <br />For no worthless aim unholy, <br />Do ye plunge into the strife; <br />No unstable, fleeting vision <br />Bright before your gaze hath shone, <br />No day dream of wild ambition, <br />Now your footsteps urges on: <br /> <br />But a cause both great and glorious, <br />Worthy of a Christian’s might, <br />One which yet shall be victorious,— <br />’Tis the cause of God and right: <br />Men! by aim more pure and holy <br />Say, could soldiers be enticed? <br />Strike for truth and conscience solely, <br />Strike for Pius and for Christ. <br /> <br />Even like the brave Crusaders— <br />Heroes true and tried of old, <br />You would check the rash invaders <br />Of all that we sacred hold. <br />And though hosts your steps beleaguer, <br />Full of might and martial pride; <br />For the conflict be you eager— <br />God Himself will be your guide! <br /> <br />Soldiers of the Cross, remember <br />In the cause you fight for now, <br />’Tis not earthly wreaths you gather <br />To adorn the dauntless brow; <br />But the laurels bright—unfading, <br />Never from you to be riven— <br />Which will yet your brows be shading <br />In the shining courts of Heaven.<br /><br />Rosanna Eleanor Leprohon<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-the-soldiers-of-pius-ninth/
