General Joubert

(Died, South African War, March 27, 1900) With those that bred, with those that loosed the strife, He had no part whose hands were clear of gain; But subtle, strong, and stubborn, gave his life To a lost cause, and knew the gift was vain. Later shall rise a people, sane and great, Forged in strong fires, by equal war made one; Telling old battles over without hate -- Not least his name shall pass from sire to son. He may not meet the onsweep of our van In the doomed city when we close the score; Yet o'er his grave -- his grave that holds a man -- Our deep-tongued guns shall answer his once more!