Frederick George Scott

COLLECTED POEMS

 

Foch

I
  

In the last trench of all
                Our general lies,
No thunderous shells appal,
                There are no enemies;
                In life’s calm, evening peace he dies.
5

II

Who watch unseen around his bed?
The gallant souls he led,—
                Living and dead,
Some still pressing through the strife
                Of human life,
10
Some who the weary battlefields once trod,
But through the gates of War have found the peace of God.

III

His eyes are turned away from earthly things,
                From diplomats and kings,
From plots and counterplots and wild imaginings.
15
No maps spread out before him, marking roads;
He sends no messages by secret codes;
The way lies plain before him, and his Guide
                Waits by his side,
One who once stilled the wild sea’s strife—
20
                The Way, the Truth, the Life. [Page 56]

IV

Now the old warrior must go forth alone,
In the rich glories of the setting sun.
                His work is done.
With all earth’s honours on his breast,
This is his greatest fight and best,
25
                The prelude of eternal rest.
In the last trench he lies,
                Where no fierce guns appal,
Waiting the calm, with fearless eyes,
                Death’s bugle call. [Page 57]
30