In Hoc Signo Vincere

This is another older piece with a very nice "Eve of Battle " feel to it. The latin title is taken from the story of the conversion of Constantine and translates roughly as "With this sign you will conquer." It's about what motivates a warrior to fight when defeat has real consequences, and victory has true rewards; something to remember during our attempts to recreate medieval combat.

In Hoc Signo Vincere


Warrior,

You stand in the gap
Between all that you love
And that which would destroy.

What you do today
Will make the difference
Between success and failure,
Life and death.

There is no tomorrow;
Only this moment
And the steel in your spine.

Be strong, hard, steadfast,
And sing your battlesongs
With the grim joy of courage.

For you fight not for glory,
Though glory is there,
And not for reward,
Though rewards are abundant,
But for what would be lost
If you do not fight.
And the tears of regret
Are more bitter than
The deepest wound.

Today you are a man
With your foe before you
And your sword in your hand.

You are a warrior,
A fighter,
A master of battles,
And you cannot rest
Til your duty is discharged,
Your enemy slain,
And your victory secure in your grasp.

Then bathe your wounds
In the love of your family.
And wear your scars like medals;
The marks of a warrior
Tempered in fire,
And worthy of honor.

Then when you pass in review
Before your commander,
You will receive your accolade
From his own hand
As he says to you,
"Good job soldier.
You have fought the good fight.

Well done!"