How Sleep the Brave

"How Sleep the Brave"

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
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,
Be it for joy that those who sleep
Only thy joy could share.

Walter de la Mare

Media: <html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="center" class="head">"How Sleep the Brave"</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line"><span class="smallcaps">Nay</span>, nay, sweet England, do not grieve!</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">Not one of these poor men who died</p><p class="line">But did within his soul believe</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">That death for thee was glorified.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Ever they watched it hovering near</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">That mystery 'yond thought to plumb,</p><p class="line">Perchance sometimes in loathèd fear</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">They heard cold Danger whisper, Come! --</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Heard and obeyed. O, if thou weep</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">Such courage and honour, beauty, care,</p><p class="line">Be it for joy that those who sleep</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">Only thy joy could share.</p></div><p class="byline">Walter de la Mare</p></body></html>