We have been defeated before the first battle. Our minds cannot focus, we accept our defeat as inevitable, as perhaps well deserved. The vast legions of our enemies assemble on the plains before our disbelieving eyes. All history,  a granite wall of judgement against our backs. We few. We trembling lonely few. We await their advance with hearts low, arms hanging at our sides. They come now. Slowly the thunder builds towards us. Our legs shake with the strain of holding this ground. We know fear in our very souls.

    All signs and oracles have buried us long ago. We have buried ourselves. Only the internment of our bodies remains. The final act in a tragedy of our own making. We will pass from the scene unmourned, unloved, but can we pass unbowed?  Yes, unbowed. Can we keep our faces turned into the hot blast that advances before the hordes coming ever closer? Will we fight as our warriors of old? Is there a dance left in our bodies to resurrect the spirits of those long gone. I say let us try one more time to break the tide of ambitious mediocrity upon the battered rock of our convictions. Let us shake away from us this rust of power. We are always the smaller number. It has always been so. 

    Citizens, Countrymen, lend us nothing! Follow our lead! There is a slogan to follow into battle. A test for those who would lead us in this desperate fight. If we are to go down, if.... let us go down under the old banner together. It may yet contain some small vestige of its former magic to give us life. Who shall carry the sacred flag? Why does it matter? If they stand now at our side are they not of us?  Place the new standard bearer under our steady guard. Not one word of reproach to pass from our lips. Our treasure, our lives, our everything to the future. Be it one minute more or forever. 

    Time has given us a great gift. We who find meaning in the struggle itself. A great surging mass comes against us. We stand as always at the narrow pass of individual freedom. We will defend it! It is what we have always done best. Our armor gleams now in the high mountain sun. Jaws set tight. Determination narrows our eyes. Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! We relish the bloody fight!