Wake not for the world-heard thunder, <br />Nor the chimes that earthquakes toll; <br />Stars may plot in heaven with planet, <br />Lightning rive the rock of granite, <br />Tempest tread the oakwood under, <br />Fear not you for flesh or soul; <br />Marching, fighting, victory past, <br />Stretch your limbs in peace at last. <br /> <br />Stir not for the soldier's drilling, <br />Nor the fever nothing cures; <br />Throb of drum and timbal's rattle <br />Call but men alive to battle, <br />And the fife with death-notes filling <br />Screams for blood--but not for yours. <br />Times enough you bled your best; <br />Sleep on now, and take your rest. <br /> <br />Sleep, my lad; the French have landed, <br />London's burning, Windsor's down. <br />Clasp your cloak of earth about you; <br />We must man the ditch without you, <br />March unled and fight short-handed, <br />Charge to fall and swim to drown. <br />Duty, friendship, bravery o'er, <br />Sleep away, lad; wake no more.<br /><br />Alfred Edward Housman<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/wake-not-for-the-world-heard-thunder/
