<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="center" class="head">To a Hero</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line"><span class="smallcaps">We</span> may not know how fared your soul before</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">Occasion came to try it by this test.</p><p class="line">Perchance, it used on lofty wings to soar;</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">Again, it may have dwelt in lowly nest.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">We do not know if bygone knightly strain</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">Impelled you then, or blood of humble clod</p><p class="line">Defied the dread adventure to attain</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">The cross of honor or the peace of God.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">We see but this, that when the moment came</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">You raised on high, then drained, the solemn cup --</p><p class="line">The grail of death; that, touched by valor's flame,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">The kindled spirit burned the body up.</p></div><p class="byline">Oscar C. A. Child</p></body></html> · Great War