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98
The Return of the C. I. V.
(October 27th, 1900)
London is loud! whose honour is she voicing
Afire with flags through endless miles of street?
Mother of millions with one mouth rejoicing—
What is their glory whom she throngs to greet?
Afire with flags through endless miles of street?
Mother of millions with one mouth rejoicing—
What is their glory whom she throngs to greet?
England had need; the sons of peace up-springing
Armed for her aid the battle-shock sustained,
From desk and till, from court and counter bringing
Valour of veterans, though to war untrained.
Armed for her aid the battle-shock sustained,
From desk and till, from court and counter bringing
Valour of veterans, though to war untrained.
Shout! for nor home nor love of gain could bind them;
England had need, across the seas they sped:
Hush! there are tears for those they left behind them,
Tears, and hearts breaking for the untimely dead.
England had need, across the seas they sped:
Hush! there are tears for those they left behind them,
Tears, and hearts breaking for the untimely dead.
Strife's bitter shoot, we graft it to our sorrow;
Accurs'd of God earth sickens in its shade;
Madness to-day, and death it bears to-morrow;
Ah! cut it down: why cumbereth it the glade?
Accurs'd of God earth sickens in its shade;
Madness to-day, and death it bears to-morrow;
Ah! cut it down: why cumbereth it the glade?
Peerless the deed they wrought: who dare misprize it?
England had need, they served her passing well;
Only the glory—let us not disguise it,
Slaughter is sorry work, and war is hell—
England had need, they served her passing well;
Only the glory—let us not disguise it,
Slaughter is sorry work, and war is hell—
Not for foes vanquished, or red vengeance taken,
Splendour of sword-sweep, flash of battle-flame,
But for life jeoparded, life's ease forsaken,
Greet we these comers in their country's name.
Splendour of sword-sweep, flash of battle-flame,
But for life jeoparded, life's ease forsaken,
Greet we these comers in their country's name.
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