Sara Teasdale - The Silent Battle lyrics

He was a soldier in that fight   Where there is neither flag nor drum, And without sound of musketry   The stealthy foemen come. Year in, year out, by day and night   They forced him to a slow retreat, And for his gallant fight alone   No fife was blown, and no drum beat. In winter fog, in gathering mist   The gray grim battle had its end— And at the very last we knew   His enemy had turned his friend.