Comrades

Three Holies sat in sacred place
And quaffed celestial wine,
As they discussed the human race
With dignity divine.
Said they: 'Although in doctrine we
May differ more or less,
In spirit stoutly we agree
Religion's a success.'

Said One: 'I praise the pride of war,
The Faith that mocks at fear;
Desire of death in battle for
It bringeth Heaven near.'
The Second said: ''Tis Peace I preach,
And hate of human strife;
The sufferance of pain I teach,
The sanctity of life.'

Then said the Third: 'Love I proclaim
The goal of human good . . .
Yet are we not all three the same
In holy brotherhood?'
And so they went forth hand in hand,
Wending a starry way,--
Mohamet, gentle Buddha and
He of Gethsemenè.