The Cheer of the Last Legion by Arthur W. Spaulding

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 4, 1913

The Cheer of the Last Legion

By Arthur W. Spaulding

ARTHUR W. SPAULDING

I HAVE my cheer! The road is hard, hot stone, Straight on, up-hill and down, nor shade nor turn. "Duty," the legion spells it. And the end, A battle where the dragon flag is flown. Strangers to cooling wine, the parched lips burn. But on! and on! I have my cheer, my friend.

I have my cheer! I pressed a comrade's hand Whom wounds and toil had sped to his last day. He smiled. And as I bent to catch his word: "Fail not!" he said. "I fall. There you must stand!" The eagle in his eye shall fire this fray, Poise o'er our standard, and direct the sword.

I have my cheer! Just as we paused at noon To snatch the hasty meal and stretch the thew, A little child that dallied in the glade, Unknowing danger, and with peace at- tune, With fresh-plucked flowers tripped o'er: "For you! for you!" A smiling world that little child hath made.

I have my cheer! We to the fight are bound, The last, the greatest of the legions sworn To smite the dragon! And the fight shall be By faith, and valor, and affection crowned. By need, and oath, and trustful joy upborne,— Good cheer! Good cheer! We have the victory!

Sanitarium, Cal.