Victory

VICTORY. (For the Improvement Era.) Unnumbered the myriads encamped in the vale, Their gay banners streaming over idols of Baal; 'Gainst the people of God they came from afar, But they sensed not the Force they must face in the war, — ' 'The sword of the Lord and of Gideon. " Their camels were laden with accoutrements fine, Their princes and nobles were flushed with new wine From the vintage of Israel, whose fields they laid low, Threat' ning destruction — bah! they never would bow To "th' sword of the Lord and of Gideon." Oh, proud were the boastings, aloud they proclaim Their prowess and conquests; how easy to maim The army defensive and glut on the spoil; But they knew not the Pow'r which all powers could foil; "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon." The ribaldry over, they lie down to rest, Each man with his shield clasped close to his breast; With dreams of fair captives, ha, ha, on the morn, The victory was theirs; and they laughed it to scorn, "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon." Lo! they are startled with trumpets full blare, The crashing of pitchers, the lamp's vivid glare; Before the mean army they fly in dismay, Devouring each other by the sword on the way — "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon." Salt Lake City, Utah. Ruth May Fox