The Eve of War

Twilight darkens, leaves a-swirling,

Crisp the air, and chill the night,

And the cook-fire smoke is curling,

Weirdling shapes in fading light.

As the sand descends t'ward Hallows,

Ancient evil, sudden blight.

Now, a cloud is slowly spreading,

Now the wind sings threnodies;

Now the cloth-wound wound is redding,

Now the vague threat embodies -

And the sounds of distant battle,

Coalesce in harmonies.

Soon will come the night of battle,

Soon the price of blood be paid;

Soon the trembling sabres rattle,

Soon by steel will hearts be swayed.

And the promise of the morning

Holds the promise, fears allayed

Seek the truth that ends the story,

Find the secret, plunge the knife;

Seek the heart in battle gory,

Find a way to end long life.

Else the world be now enveloped

In an ever-growing strife.