The Message of Phidippus

The city trembled; but when day was done,
When to their ships the threatening host had fled,
To doubting Athens then Phidippus sped
From the red field which daring hearts had won;
Swift as the homing swallow he has run,
To shout of triumph—falter—and fall dead.
Henceforth in salutation freemen said
His word “Rejoice!” and thought on Marathon.

O Poet-Herald, to the hearts that wait
Unknowing how the keener struggle speeds
Of good and evil, with victorious voice
Bring thus your message; questioning not your fate,—
Yourself partaker in life's noble deeds,—
Let your clear swan-song be as his: Rejoice!
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