War Days in Brittany

by Elsie Deming Jarves

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.

III

This Holy vow of wrath, this oath of hate,

Before high Heaven solemnly I swear,