I fain would peep beneath the visor.

A god of war, indeed! Thou liest!

A masquerading fiend,

The harlot of the universe—

War, whose lips, becrimsoned in her lover’s blood,

Smile only to his death-damped eyes!

I challenge thee to throw thy coat of mail!

Ah, God! Look thou beneath!

Behold, those arms outstretched!

That raiment over-spangled with a leaden rain!