Too long mere food for powder We've deemed our rank and file, Now higher hopes and prouder Upon the soldier smile. And if no Marshal's bâton Private Smith in his knapsack bears, At least in the War, the chance of the star With his General he shares. The first distribution of the "V.C." by the Queen was not made until June 26, 1857, and in the same vein, but with greater dignity _Punch_ strove to render justice to the occasion:-- THE STAR OF VALOUR Distributed by the Queen's Own Hand. June 26, 1857. The fount of Honour, sealed till now To all save claims of rank and birth, Makes green the laurel on the brow Ennobled but by soldier's worth. Of these the bravest and the best Who 'scaped the chance of shot and sword, England doth, by her Queen, invest With Valour's Cross--their great reward! Marking her sense of something still, A central nobleness, that lies Deeper than rank which royal will, Or birth, or chance, or wealth supplies. Knighthood that girds all valiant hearts, Knighthood that crowns each fearless brow; That knighthood this bronze cross imparts-- Let Fleece, and Bath, and Garter bow! [Sidenote: _The Victoria Cross_] The plainness of the cross aroused critical comment, to which expression was lent in the epigram, which has not lost its point yet:-- Here's Valour's Cross, my men; 'twill serve, Though rather ugly--take it, John Bull a medal can deserve, But can't contrive to make it.