A SHROPSHIRE LAD

THE DAY OF BATTLE

Alfred Edward Housman (1859 – 1936)

A SHROPSHIRE LAD

THE DAY OF BATTLE

 

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

 

But since a man that runs away
Lives to die another day,
And cowards’ funerals, when they come,
Are not wept so well as 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.

 

Alfred Edward Housman (1859 – 1936)

 

  


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