<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="center" class="head">Riding Home</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line"><span class="smallcaps">Who</span> are these that go to the high peaks and the snow?</p><p class="line">Side by side do they ride, their steady eyes aglow.</p><p class="line">Gallant gentlemen, they go spurring o'er the plain;</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:14%">Home from the war again.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">As they pass without a sound, there is many a red wound.</p><p class="line">Oh, pale they are and faint they are, these warriors renowned!</p><p class="line">Yet smiling all together in the calm sweet weather,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:14%">As they ride home together.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Where the white bed is spread and the feast is set afar</p><p class="line">And the welcome awaits and the door stands ajar,</p><p class="line">Those who droop to the saddle-bow they shall have rest enow,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:14%">Quiet and rest enow.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Like leaves of a wood vast their numbers as they passed,</p><p class="line">Like winds in the pines their horses speeding fast;</p><p class="line">And spent with victory their haggard faces be,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:14%">As they ride fast and free.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Some will meet and greet them as they leap to the ground</p><p class="line">With soft cries, wet eyes, and fond arms around;</p><p class="line">Lead them in to begin New Life, to which all loves</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:14%">Home like a flock of doves.</p></div></body></html> · Great War