THE BRAVEST BATTLE by Joaquin Miller

Pacific Press Publishing Company · OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA · Jun 7, 1899

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 23.

THE BRAVEST BATTLE.

By Joaquin Miller

THE bravest battle that ever was fought— Shall I tell you where and when? On the maps of the world you will find it not; It was fought by the mothers of men. Nay, not with cannon or battle shot, With sword or nobler pen; Nay, not with eloquent word or thought From mouths of wonderful men. But deep in a walled-up woman's heart— Of woman that would not yield, But patiently, silently bore her part— Lo! There is that battle-field. No marshaling troop; no bivouac song; No banner to gleam and wave. And oh, these battles they last so long— From babyhood to the grave! Yet, faithful still as a bridge of stars, She fights in her walled up town— Fights on and on in the endless wars, Then silent, unseen, goes down. —Joaquin Miller.