We have no heart for civil strife, <br />Our burdens we prefer to bear; <br />We long to live a peaceful life <br />And claim of happiness our share. <br />If only to be clothed and fed <br />And see our children laugh and play - <br />That means a lot when all is said, <br />In this grim treadmill of today. <br /> <br />The price of manhood is too high <br />When leap the sacrificial flames; <br />For Justice we refuse to die: <br />Honour and Pride are empty names. <br />We will not play the martyr's part, <br />We will not perish for a Cause; <br />Leave that to fools - with humble heart <br />We live according to the Laws. <br /> <br />For see! Comes up the city street, <br />Communion-clad a shining band <br />Of timy children, angel-sweet, <br />Singing and holding hand in hand . . . <br />So let Might triumph over Right; <br />From sufferance content we take: <br />We fight because we do not fight, <br />And it is for our children's sake.<br /><br />Robert William Service<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/white-collar-spaniard/
