Classic Poem

From shore to shore
The legions pour
Which Alexander sends upon their hostile way;
The Macedonian stands elate to watch the bold array.

There where those stood
In days of blood
Paul sleeps in peace upon the mail-trod shore;
The Macedonian asks his help forevermore.

Long ages pass;
On blood-stained seas
See gun meet gun! and spar inlaced with spar.
The Macedonian yields, mid blood and groans and war.

Yet here once more
Upon old Erin's shore,
The starving throngs want bread. Across the distant bay
They watch the Christ-sent ship, the orphan's stay.
The Macedonian comes upon her well-blessed way,
Comes the bright herald of a perfect day.