Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a stark contrast between a romanticized past of warfare and a grim, modern reality. Initially, the scene is set with a "chivalrous sense of Should and Ought," where "Honour is some reward!" Battles were fought "Man to man in his knightlihood," adhering to "honourable rules" and rejecting perfidy. This idealized vision emphasizes fairness and a clear moral code, suggesting a time when conflict, though still deadly, was governed by a sense of noble conduct and direct confrontation.
The central tension arises from the abrupt shift to the present, marked by "But now, behold, what / Is warfare wherein honour is not!" The narrator laments the loss of ethical boundaries, where "Sly slaughter / Shall rule!" This modern approach is characterized by deceit and a willingness to employ "modes once called accurst," including actions "Overhead, under water," and a directive to "Stab first." The implication is a descent into a more brutal, less principled form of conflict.
The most striking craft element is the direct juxtaposition of these two eras, amplified by the contrasting commands. The past concludes with a clear, almost formal "Fire first!" – a call to engage honorably. This is directly countered by the present's insidious instruction: "Stab first." This shift from a direct, albeit violent, engagement to a sneaky, dishonorable attack highlights the perceived moral decay in warfare. The specific mention of "Rama laments / Its dead innocents" and "Herod breathes" adds a layer of tragic consequence to this modern, amoral approach.
This lyrical construction effectively conveys a profound sense of disillusionment and loss. By invoking an almost mythical past of honorable combat, the lyrics make the present's descent into "sly slaughter" feel all the more jarring and tragic. The power lies in this sharp, almost accusatory contrast, forcing the listener to confront the perceived erosion of ethical standards in conflict, making the present feel not just different, but fundamentally broken.
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