<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="" class="head">A False Prophet</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line">HE grudged the gold that sparingly we spent</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:%"> To keep this citadel of freedom free.</p><p class="line">He bade us heed not arms and armament,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:%">But go unpanoplied on land and sea.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Each week, a dismal joy to fools and blind,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:%">His ink-streams gushed, and with dull violence flowed.</p><p class="line">And he knew all things--Wisdom in his mind</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:%">Building notoriously her sole abode.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Ah well, his day departs! He is swept aside,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:%">A thin and charmless voice that rails unheard.</p><p class="line">And now let charitable oblivion hide</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:%">His name in dust, not to be disinterred.</p></div></body></html> · Great War