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The Vanquished Banner



Defeat is such a sacred holy thing,

Furled a banner that will fly no more,

A conquered banner that has stopped to soar,

And hands that to its pole no longer cling.



The heavens  veil their faces, - sympathy

pour forth for heroes lying in the dust;

And mourn with the defeated, - oh they must

Pour out their love for vanquished bravery.



Naught has remained of valor and largesse,

Of sacrifice heroic and of glory

The furled flag tells the heart-rending story

And what remains is awesome holiness.



Bow to the furled flag in reverence

A sight so bitter and so melancholy,

And kiss it tenderly for it is holy

Its value in the eyes of God immense.