"Far I hear the bugle blow 
To call me where I would not go, 
And the guns begin the song, 
'Soldier, fly or stay for long.' 

"Comrade, if to turn and fly 
Made a soldier never die, 
Fly I would, for who would not? 
'Tis sure no pleasure to be shot. 

"But since the man that runs away 
Lives to die another day, 
And cowards' funerals, when they come, 
Are not wept so well at home, 

"Therefore, though the best is bad, 
Stand and do the best, my lad; 
Stand and fight and see your slain, 
And take the bullet in your brain." 

Added: on March 17th, 2006 at 8:53 AM | Viewed: 1225 times | Comments (1)

Poet: A.E. Housman
Poem: The Day of Battle

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