Battle

The war of words is done; The red-lipped cannon speak; The battle has begun. The web your speeches spun Tears and blood shall streak; The war of words is done. Smoke enshrouds the sun; Earth staggers at the shriek Of battle new begun. Poltroons and braggarts run: Woe to the poor, the meek! The war of words is done. "And hope not now to shun The doom that dogs the weak," Thunders every gun; "Victory must be won." When the red-lipped cannon speak, The war of words is done, The slaughter has begun.