The early poems of John Clare 1804-1822: General editor Eric Robinson: Edited by Eric Robinson and David Powell: Associate editor Margaret Grainger |
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DEATH OR VICTORY |
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 | The early poems of John Clare |  |
DEATH OR VICTORY
Battle now is drawing nearFoes in sight of foes appear
Now the Heroes courage warms
Now the Cowards fears alarms
Heroes hottest fight defies
Cowards shrinking falls or flies
Frenchman Gallias Sons may fear
British Blood advancing near
But darken day & blush bright Sun
Shouldst thou see a briton run
Foes to flie or fight to shun
Till the battle's oer & won
In Glory! Glory! Glory!
For Britons still must Britons be
Away to Death or Victory!
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As oer the advancing troops she flies
‘Be dark that day & blush that sun
‘That ever sees a briton run’
But while Brittanias isle remains
To boast one Briton on her plains
Ye foes dispair that day to see
Which never was and neer shall be
A true bred Briton never flies
His very nature flight denies
His courage every fear defies
He either wins the day or dies
In glory! glory! glory!
For Britons still will Britons be
So on to Death or Victory
| The early poems of John Clare | |