<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="" class="head">The Fourth of August, 1914</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line">AT last we know you, War-lord. You, that flung</p><p class="line">The gauntlet down, fling down the mask you wore,</p><p class="line">Publish your heart, and let its pent hate pour,</p><p class="line">You that had God for ever on your tongue.</p><p class="line">We are old in war, and if in guile we are young,</p><p class="line">Young also is the spirit that evermore</p><p class="line">Burns in our bosom ev'n as heretofore,</p><p class="line">Nor are these thews unbraced, these nerves unstrung.</p><p class="line">We do not with God's name make impious play;</p><p class="line">We are not on such easy terms with Heaven ;</p><p class="line">But in Earth's hearing we can verily say,</p><p class="line">"Our hands are pure; for peace, for peace we have striven ";</p><p class="line">And not by Earth shall he be soon forgiven</p><p class="line">Who lit the fire accurst that flames to-day.</p></div></body></html> · Great War