Part 16

This was one of the figures in that dance:

"A little British destroyer, her midships rent by a great shell meant for a battle-cruiser; exuding steam from every pore; able to go ahead but not to steer; unable to get out of anybody's way, likely to be rammed by any one of a dozen ships; her syren whimpering: 'Let me through! Make way!'; her crew fallen in aft dressed in life-belts ready for her final plunge, and cheering wildly as it might have been an enthusiastic crowd when the King passes."

Let us close on that note. We have been compassed about so long and so blindingly by wonders and miracles; so overwhelmed by revelations of the spirit of men in the basest and most high; that we have neither time to keep tally of these furious days, nor mind to discern upon which hour of them our world's fate hung.

THE NEUTRAL

Brethren, how shall it fare with me When the war is laid aside, If it be proven that I am he For whom a world has died?

If it be proven that all my good, And the greater good I will make, Were purchased me by a multitude Who suffered for my sake?

That I was delivered by mere mankind Vowed to one sacrifice, And not, as I hold them, battle-blind, But dying with opened eyes?

That they did not ask me to draw the sword When they stood to endure their lot, What they only looked to me for a word, And I answered I knew them not?

If it be found, when the battle clears, Their death has set me free, Then how shall I live with myself through the years Which they have bought for me?

Brethren, how must it fare with me, Or how am I justified, If it be proven that I am he For whom mankind has died; If it be proven that I am he Who being questioned denied?

THE END

Printed by R. & R. CLARK, LIMITED, Edinburgh.

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