Social Commentaries

Arma Virumque

by Ambrose Bierce 1842–c. 1914

From Shapes of Clay (1903)

Social Commentaries

"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.

MLA

Bierce, Ambrose. “Arma Virumque.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/bierce/193/.

Chicago

Bierce, Ambrose. “Arma Virumque.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/bierce/193/.

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