Tales from the Great Wars

Hear our tale now, a soldier's story

And his quest for the source of glory

When a lad he had heard it spoken

By an elder both scarred and broken

Warrior of the legion

He had journeyed to the frontier

And had fought bravely

But was wounded, then awarded

For deeds and actions in the fray

He was swept away when hearing

Of the great wars

Not content with the veteran's rambling

Sought he tales of great men, who gambling

In a game of man's decimation

Won the crowns of their conquering nations

Armies marching ever in his young mind

There were great towers, bastions of evil

And the people cried for heroes who would lay siege

And bring them down

He was swept away when hearing

Of the great wars

"I will lead the charge one day," he swore

Dreaming of the day he would make war

Youth soon was spent, came the time to enlist

Rome forged his shield and the sword in his fist

Now at last war is come

And he dreams that he'll find sweet glory here

In the ranks he stands firm

Up ahead, coming fast, the enemy

"Hold the line! Here they come!"

Bearded ones, angry sons, screaming

See his sword rise and fall

Now a man, no more time for dreaming

Fair haired daughters of the land will

Come down and kiss the feet

Of the hero

Laurels, medals they will bestow on

Him who carried battle to the foe

Hero!

Now a captain, and decorated

Back to Rome where the elder waited

There to query the young commander

"Where but battle was glory grander?"

"Glory? You deceived me

I saw nothing in the great battle

If not for killing and much slaughter

Now in dreaming I see the faces

Of those I killed

He was swept away when hearing

Of the great wars