Quote by John Davidson
The war of words is done;The red-lipped cannon speak;The battle has begun.The web your speeches spunTears and blood shall streak;The war of words is done.Smoke enshrouds the sun;Earth staggers at the shriekOf battle new begun.Poltroons and braggarts run:Woe to the poor, the meek!The war of words is done.And hope not now to shunThe doom that dogs the weak,Thunders every gun;Victory must be won.When the red-lipped cannon speak,The war of words is done,The slaughter has begun.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the destructive power of words and their ability to incite violence and war. It suggests that once rhetoric and speeches turn into actual action and violence, there is no turning back. The "red-lipped cannon" symbolizes the impact of words and their consequences. The quote also references the suffering caused by war - tears, blood, smoke, and shrieks - and warns of the fate of the weak. Ultimately, it conveys the idea that once the battle begins, victory becomes the sole focus, disregarding the toll it takes on society.