Quote#War
We are the Choice of the Will: God, when He gave the word
Quote byWilliam Ernest Henley · 1849–1903
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Poems (1898), "Rhymes and Rhythms", II. "To R. F. B.".
English (original)
We are the Choice of the Will: God, when He gave the word That called us into line, set in our hand a sword;Set us a sword to wield none else could lift and draw, And bade us forth to the sound of the trumpet of the Law.
— William Ernest Henley
More from William Ernest Henley
From the winter's gray despair, From the summer’s golden languor, Death, the lover of Life, Frees us for ever.
Far in the stillness a cat Languishes loudly. A cinder Falls, and the shadows Lurch to the leap of the flame.
Hark how the Trumpet, The mistress of mistresses, Calls, silver-throated And stern, where the tables Are spread, and the work Of the Lord is in hand!
Ho! then, the splendour And sheen of my ministry, Clothing the earth With a livery of lightnings! Ho! then, the music Of battles in onset
Life is (I think) a blunder and a shame.
Bland as a Jesuit, sober as a hymn.