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I am that dreadful,blighting thing
Like rat holes to the flood
Like rust that gnaws the faultless blade,
Like microbes to the blood.
I know no mercy and no truth,
The young I blight,the old I slay.
Regret stalks darkly in my wake,
And ignominy dogs in my way.
With facile talk of easier way;
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Young manhood,from its honor's sway.
Again,in awesome guise I rush,
Stupendous,through the ranks of war,
Turning to water,with my gaze,
Hearts that,before,no foe could awe.
The maiden who strayed from right.
To me must pay the mead of shame.
The patroit who betrays his trust,
To me must he owe his tarnished name.
I spare no class,nor cult,nor creed
My course is endless through year.
I bow all heads and break all hearts, all owe me homeage-
I AM FEAR.

- George S. Patton