The End and the Beginning The deed is done, O Kings: the blood is shed: The sword is broken:⁠—broken, too, the Cross. But she, the mother eternal of the dead, Though sorrow-laden, smiles at the loss. You go down grimed with the blood and smoke of wars; Your armies scattered and your banners furled; She comes down covered with the dust of stars, And gives her life again to build the world.