Plain be the phrase, yet apt the verse, br More ponderous than nimble; br For since grimed War here laid aside br His painted pomp, 'twould ill befit br Overmuch to ply br The rhyme's barbaric symbol. br br Hail to victory without the gaud br Of glory; zeal that needs no fans br Of banners; plain mechanic power br Plied cogently in War now placed - br Where War belongs - br Among the trades and artisans. br br Yet this was battle, and intense - br Beyond the strife of fleets heroic; br Deadlier, closer, calm 'mid storm; br No passion; all went on by crank. br Pivot, and screw, br And calculations of caloric. br br Needless to dwell; the story's known. br The ringing of those plates on plates br Still ringeth round the world - br The clangor of the blacksmiths' fray. br The anvil-din br Resounds this message from the Fates: br br War shall yet be, and to the end; br But war-paint shows the streaks of weather; br War yet shall be, but the warriors br Are now but operatives; War's made br Less grand than Peace, br And a singe runs through lace and feather.