STEADFAST as any soldier of the line <br />He served his England, with the imminent death <br />Poised at his heart. Nor could the world divine <br />The constant peril of each burdened breath. <br /> <br />England, and the honour of England, he still served <br />Walking the strict path, with the old high pride <br />Of those invincible knights who never swerved <br />One hair's breadth from the way until they died. <br /> <br />Quietness he loved, and books, and the grave beauty <br />Of England's Helicon, whose eternal light <br />Shines like a lantern on that road of duty, <br />Discerned by few in this chaotic night; <br /> <br />And his own pen, foretelling his release, <br />Told us that he foreknew ' the end was peace.' <br /> <br />II. <br /> <br />Soldier of England, he shall live unsleeping <br />Among his friends, with the old proud flag above; <br />For even to-day her honour is in his keeping, <br />He has joined the hosts that guard her with their love. <br /> <br />They shine like stars, unnumbered happy legions, <br />In that high realm where all our darkness dies. <br />He moves with honour, in those loftier regions, <br />Above this ' world of passion and of lies '; <br /> <br />For so he called it, keeping his own pure passion <br />A silent flame before the true and good; <br />Not fawning on the throng in this world's fashion <br />To come and see what all might see who would. <br /> <br />Soldier of England, perfect, gentle knight, <br />The soul of Sidney welcomes you to-night.<br /><br />Alfred Noyes<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/dedication-to-the-memory-of-cecil-spring-rice/
