NOW doth the Year, with gorgeous ritual, don

Raiment of priesthood, cope o'erlaid with gold,

But soon, from autumn's purfled scarf unstoled,

The grey cowl of November must put on ;

And shaking the thinned locks that shall anon

Cumber his ways, he hears around him rolled

A nation's knell for Youth and Valour tolled,

Heroic Youth and knightly Valour, gone

Where, after clangorous day, is evenfall;

Love's requiescat after battle's throes;

After the cannonade and bugle call,

Earth's whispered leave, in pace to repose;

Lull after hurricane ; and crowning all,

Glory's white lily after war's red rose.