Doubtful indeed is it if
anywhere in the past we shall find figure of knight or soldier to
equal him, for sometimes it is the sword of death that gives to
life its real knighthood, and too often the soldier's end is
unworthy of his knightly life; but with Gordon the harmony of life
and death was complete, and the closing scenes seem to move to
their fulfilment in solemn hush, as though an unseen power watched
over the sequence of their sorrow.
"Not by the blind hazard of chance was this great tragedy
consummated; not by the discord of men or from the vague
opposition of physical obstacle, by fault of route or length of
delay, was help denied to him. The picture of a wonderful life had
to be made perfect by heroic death. The moral had to be cut deep,
and written red, and hung high, so that its lesson could be seen
by all men above strife and doubt and discord. Nay, the very
setting of the final scenes has to be wrought out in such contrast
of colour that the dullest eye shall be able to read the meaning
of it all. For many a year back this soldier's life has been a
protest against our most cherished teaching. Faith is weakness,
we have said. He will show us it is strength. Reward is the right
of service.
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