The Hero's Reward

Well may the fire of glory blaze If such the meed the warrior gains- Who goes opinion to unbind,

Upon the warrior's tread; If such the palm he bears- That reason may go free,

And nations twine the wreath of praise If such insignia he obtains- And liberate the human mind

Around the hero's head: If such the crown he wears: From cleric tyranny.

His path is honor, and his name If laurels thus his head entwine, To sever superstition's rod,

Is written on the spire of fame. And stars of triumph round him shine; And propagate the truth of God.

His deeds are deeds of courage, for How noble must be His reward Who wars with prejudice, to break

He treads o'er gory ground, Who, 'midst the crafts of men; Asunder error's chain,

Amid the pride and pomp of war Clad in the armor of the Lord And make the sandy pillars shake

When carnage sweeps around: Goes forth to battle, when Where human dogmas reign,

With sword unsheath'd, he stands before The powers of darkness warfare wage, Who dares to be a man of God,

The foe, amid the cannon's roar. And satan's host around him rage. And bear the Spirit's sword abroad!

Above all earthly, his shall be

An everlasting fame;

The archives of eternity

Will register his name

With gems of sacred honor rife-

His crowns will be eternal life.