National Monuments
Count not the cost of honour to the dead!
The tribute that a mighty nation pays
To those who loved her well in former days
Means more than gratitude for glories fled;
For every noble man that she hath bred,
Lives in the bronze and marble that we raise,
Immortalized by art's immortal praise,
To lead our sons as he our fathers led.
These monuments of manhood strong and high
Do more than forts or battle-ships to keep
Our dear-bought liberty.
They fortify
The heart of youth with valour wise and deep;
They build eternal bulwarks, and command
Eternal strength to guard our native land.
Poem by
Henry Van Dyke
Biography |
Poems
| Best Poems | Short Poems
| Quotes
|
Email Poem |
More Poems by Henry Van Dyke
Comments, Analysis, and Meaning on National Monuments
Provide your analysis, explanation, meaning, interpretation, and comments on the poem National Monuments here.
Commenting turned off, sorry.