THE SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS
They tell us of the Paladins, the knights of feudal times
Who flashed their tempered sabers in the light of Asian chimes;
Who fiercely smote the Saracen, or cleft the turban Turk
And deemed that in their Maker’s sight they wrought a pleasing work.
Their standard was a cross of red, upon a ground of white.
And ‘neath its glow of flame and snow those warriors loved to fight:
And the’ their lite-blood stained the plain, they counted it no loss.
To die the gory battle death as “Soldiers of the Cross!”
As Champions of Christendom, they longed to measure swords
Each Palaian ’gainst Saladin, and all his payniux hordes;
And when the trump of battle gave the signal for the fray
They galloped on a countless foe as ‘twers a gala day.
But days of sted clad cavalry, of belted men and spurred
Have vanished as a wreath of snow by austral breathing stirred;
The world has lost her men at arms, and yet sustained no less;
They’ve purer fame who bear their names as “Soldiers of the Cross”
Their loin are girt with truthfulness, their breasts are armed with right.
Salavatien’s helm and faith’s broad shield secure them in the fight.
And while with sandal wood of peace their feet are safely shod.
With iron grasp they ever clasp the Spirit sword of God.
And they, too have a banner proud, to cheer them in a strife,
They cluster ‘neath its glorious fold to serve the Prince of Life;
It bears upon a field of white a cross of ruby stain,
The white ground cross “He righteous is!” the cross, “He once was slain!”
The war about is “Immanuel!” they never knew defeat,
Upon the grimy hosts of sin their dauntless legions pour,
As sweeps the thunderous ocean surf upon a shelving shore
Why, then let knight and armor bright rest in their dust and rust.
For nobler men are marching in the armies of the just-
Of all that tinseled Chivalry, we’ve nothing left but dross
But death and Hell go down before these “Soldiers of the Cross”
Title: THE SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS
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Media: Newspaper article, glued to Page 451 of the Ledger of Captain W. B.
Blair
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