By George Sterling

I

Beat back thy forfeit plow-shares into swords:

It is not yet, the far, seraphic dream

Of peace made beautiful and love supreme.

Now let the strong, unweariable chords

Of battle shake to thunder, and the hordes

Advance, where now the famished vultures scream.

The standards gather and the trumpets gleam;

Down the long hill-side stare the mounted lords.