<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="" class="head">In Honorem Fortium</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line">I SOMETIMES think that I have lived too long,</p><p class="line">Who have heard so many a gay brave singer's</p><p class="line">song</p><p class="line">Fail him for ever—seen so many sails</p><p class="line">Lean out resplendent to the evil gales.</p><p class="line">Then Death, the wrecker, get his harvest in.</p><p class="line">Oh, ill it is, when men lose all, to win;</p><p class="line">Grief though it be to die, 'tis grief yet more</p><p class="line">To live and count the dear dead comrades o'er.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Peace. After all you died not. We've no fear</p><p class="line">But that, long ages hence, you will be near—</p><p class="line">A thought by night—on the warm wind a breath.</p><p class="line">Making for courage, pvitting old Death,</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Living wherever men are not afraid</p><p class="line">Of aught but making bravery a parade.</p><p class="line">Yes, parleying with fear, they'll pause and say,</p><p class="line">"At Gommecourt boys suffered worse that day";</p><p class="line">Or, hesitating on some anxious brink.</p><p class="line">They will become heroic when they think,</p><p class="line">" Did they not rise mortality above</p><p class="line">Who staked a lifetime all made sweet with love?"</p></div><p>May, 1917.</p></body></html> · Great War