1 APRIL 1916, Page 15

POETRY.

CRUSADER.

(By THE AUTHOR 011' "Thu SACRAXENT.")

You took the cross, altho' you didn't show it, 'Twas graven on a heart and not a shield ; 'Twas for the cross, altho' you didn't know it, You mocked the horrors of the bloody field.

You were but one ; there were a host of others Who found full manhood when the trumpet blew ; Unconsciously you felt they were your brothers, Nor knew that God was calling them and you I mean, you didn't hear the voices calling, You simply followed as the Spirit led ; And when you saw them all about you falling, You didn't know that it was for Christ they bled.

Duty impelled you, and you never faltered—

There was no need for her to whisper twice ;

The end you saw not—no, nor would have altered—

You took the cross, and made the sacrifice.