War is no longer declared, br only continued. The monstrous br has become everyday. The hero br stays away from battle. The weak br have gone to the front. br The uniform of the day is patience, br its medal the pitiful star of hope above the heart. br br The medal is awarded br when nothing more happens, br when the artillery falls silent, br when the enemy has grown invisible br and the shadow of eternal armament br covers the sky. br br It is awarded br for desertion of the flag, br for bravery in the face of friends, br for the betrayal of unworthy secrets br and the disregard br of every command.