And the plans that seemed the fairest in the fight have not prevailed,
The keenest blades are broken, and the strongest arms have failed.
But souls that know not the breath of shame,
And tongues that have never lied,
And the truest hearts, and the fairest fame,
Are here—on the losing side.
The conqueror's crown of glory is set with many a gem,
But I join not in their triumph—there are plenty to shout for them;
The cause is the most applauded whose warriors gain the day,
And the world's best smiles are given to the victors in the fray.