Victor and Vanquished, pub. 1882, by Longfellow

Poem: Victor and Vanquished
Longfellow, published 1882 (Year of poet's death)
As one who long hath fled with panting breath Before his foe, bleeding and near to fall, I turn and set my back against the wall, And look thee in the face, triumphant Death,
I call for aid, and no one answereth; I am alone with thee, who conquerest all; Yet me thy threatening form doth not appall, For thou art but a phantom and a wraith.
Wounded and weak, sword broken at the hilt, With armor shattered, and without a shield, I stand unmoved; do with me what thou wilt;
I can resist no more, but will not yield. This is no tournament where cowards tilt; The vanquished here is victor of the field.

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• Poem
• Longfellow
• Death
• and
• Defiance