To General Cadorna on His 69th Birthday, September 11, 1917
“What I have given, that have I”
This fateful year which thou fulfillest so,
Our Italy, her cherisht goal in sight,
Exalts upon her sword; and gleameth bright
Her ruddy pathway to the gates of snow.
The power of death thou bendest like a bow
’Twixt Vodice and bleak Hermada’s height;
And Victory, guided by thy hand of might,
Thro’ wild Isonzo forth doth fording go.
Reborn from lands of drought, a youth art thou,
Upheaved by rugged Carso suddenly
With all the lads of thine advancing throng.
This bloody year which thou fulfillest now,
O may it, onward pressing, shine with thee
And keep thee for the fearful morrow strong!
Poetical Version by
[signed] C.H. Grangent