To England--A Note

I WATCHED the boys of England where they went Through mud and water to do appointed things. See one a stake, and one wire-netting brings, And one comes slowly under a burden bent Of ammunition. Though the strength be spent They “carry on” under the shadowing wings Of Death the ever-present. And hark, one sings Although no joy from the grey skies be lent. Are these the heroes--these? have kept from you The power of primal savagery so long? Shall break the devil’s legions? These they are Who do in silence what they might boast to do; In the height of battle tell the world in song How they do hate and fear the face of War.