aise of war but of the
self-sacrificing warriors who try to save their country from the
horrors of war. No wise people, least of all the men who know it best,
ever sing the praise of war itself. They might as well sing the
praises of disease. But, while those who, like the Germans, force a
wicked war upon the world are no better than poisoners of wells and
spreaders of the plague, those, on the other hand, who, like the
Allies, fight the poisoners of wells and spreaders of the plague are
doing the same kind of service that doctors do when fighting germs.
Therefore, as doctors to disease, so is the Happy Warrior to war. He
no more likes war than doctors like the germs of deadly sickness; and
he would rid the world of this great danger if he could. But while war
lasts, and wars are waged against the very soul of all we hold most
dear, we need the Happy Warrior who can foresee the coming war and lead
a host of heroes when it comes. And leaders and followers alike, when
faithful unto death, are they not among the noblest martyrs ever known?
_For greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for
his friends_.

Who is the Happy Warrior? Who is he
That every man in arms should wish to be?
--It is the generous Spirit, who, when brought
Among the tasks of real life, hath wrought
Upon the plan that pleased his boyish thought:
Whose high endeavours are an inward light
That makes the path before him always bright:
Who, with a natural instinct to discern
What knowledge can perform, is diligent to learn;
Abides by this resolve, and stops not there,
But makes his moral being his prime care;
Who, doomed to go in company with Pain,
And Fear, and Bloodshed, miserable train!
Turns his necessity to glorious gain;
In face of these doth exercise a power
Which is our human nature's highest dower;
Controls them and subdues, transmutes, bereaves
Of their bad influence, and their good receives:
By objects, which might force the soul to abate
Her feeling, rendered more compassionate;
Is placable--because occasions rise
So often that demand such sacrifice;
More skilful in self-knowledge, even more pure,
As tempted more; more able to endure,
As more exposed to suffering and distress;

* * * * * *

Thence, also, more alive to tenderness.
But who, if he be called upon to face
Some awful moment to which Heaven has joined
Great