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1842–1914

ARMA VIRUMQUE.

Ambrose Bierce

“Ours is a Christian Army”; so he said A regiment of bangomen who led. “And ours a Christian Navy,” added he Who sailed a thunder-junk upon the sea.

Better they know than men unwarlike do What is an army and a navy, too. Pray God there may be sent them by-and-by The knowledge what a Christian is, and why.

For somewhat lamely the conception runs Of a brass-buttoned Jesus firing guns.

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ARMA VIRUMQUE. · Ambrose Bierce · Poetry Cove