Old Year Leaves Being Old Verses Revised: By H. T. Mackenzie Bell ... New Edition |
 |
 |
|
IN MEMORY
OF
The gallant men who fell fighting at Isandhlwana,
South Africa, in a surprise by the Zulus,
23d January 1879. |
|
|
|
|
 | Old Year Leaves |  |
27
IN MEMORY OF The gallant men who fell fighting at Isandhlwana, South Africa, in a surprise by the Zulus, 23d January 1879.
Steadfast they stood,—nor feared to face the foeThough twenty-fold outnumbered,—calm, alone
They bore the brunt of battle on them thrown,
And bravely strove against the ignoble blow:
Yet doubtless mid the din of deadly strife
Came softened thoughts of home and loved ones dear:
And many a prayer was prayed in faith sincere
That they might meet anew in deathless life.
We mourn their loss (a wound Time scarce can heal)—
28
Among us. May we soon efface the stain
From England's flag,—while more and more we feel
A sense of joy, which in our hearts will stay,
That Britain still can boast these ‘heroes of to-day.’
Feb. 22d, 1879.
| Old Year Leaves | |