| George Herbert Clarke, ed. (18731953). A Treasury of War Poetry. 1917. |
| |
| 128. How Steep the Brave! |
| | | By Walter de la Mare |
| |
| |
| 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 | 5 |
| That mystery yond thought to plumb, | |
| Perchance sometimes in loathèd fear | |
| They heard cold Danger whisper, Come! | |
| |
| Heard and obeyed. O, if thou weep | |
| Such courage and honour, beauty, care, | 10 |
| Be it for joy that those who sleep | |
| Only thy joy could share. | |
| |
|
|
|