Page:Poems of the Great War - Cunliffe.djvu/102

 76 WALTER DE LA MARE

��"HOW SLEEP THE BRAVE"

Nay, nay, sweet England, do not grieve !

Not one of these poor men who died But did within his soul believe

That death for thee was glorified.

Ever they watched it hovering near That mystery 'yond thought to plumb.

Perchance sometimes in loathed fear

They heard cold Danger whisper. Come ! —

Heard and obeyed. O, if thou weep Such courage and honor, beauty, care,

Be it for joy that those who sleep Only thy joy could share.

— Walter de la Mare.

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