Pierre

I saw you starting for another war, The emblem of adventure and of youth, So that men trembled, saying: “He forsooth Has gone, has gone, and shall return no more.” And then out there, they told me you were dead, Taken and killed; how was it that I knew, Whatever else was true, that was not true? And then I saw you pale upon your bed,

Scarcely two years ago, when you were sent Back from the margin of the dim abyss; For Death had sealed you with a warning kiss, And let you go to meet a nobler fate: To serve in fellowship, O fortunate: To die in battle with your regiment.