Swords and Plowshares/The Military Creed

​The Military Creed

The American Admiral in command at Samoa was asked what he thought of expansion. He is reported to have answered, "I do not think; I obey orders."

"CAPTAIN, what do you think," I asked, "Of the part your soldiers play?"The captain answered, "I do not think— I do not think—I obey."
"Do you think you should shoot a patriot down And help a tyrant slay?"The captain answered, "I do not think— I do not think—I obey."
"Do you think that your conscience was meant to die And your brains to rot away?"The captain answered, "I do not think— I do not think—I obey."
"Then if this is your soldier's code," I cried, "You're a mean, unmanly crew,And with all your feathers and gilt and braid I am more of a man than you;
"For whatever my lot on earth may be, And whether I swim or sink,I can say with pride, 'I do not obey— I do not obey—I think!'"
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