War Days in Brittany

by Elsie Deming Jarves

II

My ruined fields, my cities sunk in flame,

My murdered hostages, my fallen sons,

My wounded babes, the nameless deeds of shame

Upon my women, helpless, fore the Huns,

I swear I shall avenge! My justice and my right

Shall conquer, or my last red blood I shed.

I, France, austere and blazing in my might

Shout forth this message to my valiant dead.