Charles Rex

"When half-gods go, the gods arrive." R. W. Emerson

Not with the clash of trumpets And clangour of gates thrown wide, As when the eager crowds press round To see the half-gods ride; But like a bird at even Silently winging home, A message came from the darkness To say that the gods had come.

And the half-gods scoffed in the temple Which custom had bid them hold-- Sin and Success and Pleasure And the hideous Image of Gold. Who and what are these strangers? Bid them worship before the shrine Where we, the gods of the new world, Sit o'er the cards and wine!

So they derided the strangers-- Those gods whom the old folk call Courage and Honour and Faithfulness And Love which is greater than all. But when the night was over And the new day pierced within, The half-gods were gone from the temple, And the gods had entered in.