Going to the Front

I HAD no heart to march for war When trees were bare and fell the snow; To go to-day is easier far When pink and white the orchards blow, While cuckoo calls and from the lilac bush Carols at peace the well-contented thrush.

For now the gorse is all in flower, The chestnut tapers light the morn, Gold gleam the oaks, the sun has power To robe the glittering plain with corn; I hear from all the land of hope a voice That bids me forward bravely and rejoice.

So merry are the lambs at play, So cheerfully the cattle feed, With such security the May Has built green walls round every mead, O'er happy roofs such grey old church-towers peep, Who would not fight these dear, dear homes to keep?