268 The Ideal State 



Owen Seaman's poem, 1 full as it is, as was that already 

 given on the late Dr. Barnardo, of the noblest Christian 

 ideal, and perfection of expression : 



In Memoviam. 



WILLIAM BOOTH, 



Founder and Commander-in-Chief of the Salvation Army. 



Born 1829. Died August 20th, 1912. 



As theirs, the warrior knights of Christian fame, 



Who, for the faith, led on the battle line, 

 Who stormed the breach and swept through flood and flame 



Under the Cross for sign, 



Such was his life's crusade ; and as their death 

 Inspired in men a purpose pure of taint — 



In some great cause to give their latest breath — 

 So died this soldier saint. 



Nay, his the nobler warfare, since his hands 

 Set free the thralls of misery and her brood — 



Hunger and haunting shame and sin that brands — 

 And gave them hope renewed. 



Bruised souls and bodies broken by despair — 



He healed their heartache, and their wounds he dressed, 



And drew them, so redeemed, his task to share, 

 Sworn to the same high quest. 



Armed with the Spirit's wisdom for his sword, 



His feet with tidings of salvation shod, 

 He knew no foes, save only such as warred 



Against the peace of God. 



Scorned or acclaimed, he kept his harness bright, 

 Still, through the darkest hour, untaught to yield, 



And, at the last, his face towards the light, 

 Fell on the victor's field. 



No laurelled blazon rests above his bier, 

 Yet a great people bows its stricken head 



Where he who fought without reproach or fear, 

 Soldier of Christ, lies dead. 



1 By kind permission of Mr. Seaman and the Proprietors of " Punch." 



