NOT PEACE, BUT REVENGE!
Reading edition
Peace? do you say? When my homestead is razed, And Death stalks the fields where my cattle once grazed; And the Dear One is dead Whom I courted and wed, The Joy of my Life when the hearthstone fires blazed. Peace? What a travesty! Give back my wife And the brave little son, who gave up his life That she might escape From the murder or rape Of helmeted hordes in the unequal strife! Peace? Where is my father? Cleaning your shoes! Like a thousand old men you maim and abuse. He was true to his Land, So you cut off his hand And left him but slav'ry or famine to choose. Peace? My wounds cry aloud: Never! I say Till your legions are killed or driven away And my country is free: But, stay! What's that to me, Since all my own Loved Ones lie murdered to-day? No!! Not Peace, but Revenge! Here is my gun— Surrendered? O, No! for its work is not done: When my bayonet's sting Smites the heart of your King, And your hell-hounds are flayed,—then Peace will be won!