Do kings put faith in fortressed walls, and bar <br />Their cities' gates, as strong to keep out war? <br />The constancy of friends is stronger far. <br />Are lilies pure, that in some vale unknown <br />Unplucked have blossomed and unpraised have blown? <br />The constancy of friends is purer. <br />The constancy of friends is lovelier <br />Than fame or fortune; past all riches dear; <br />Impossible to soil by foulest breath; <br />Their crown is rarer than the conqueror's wreath, <br />And all their joy securer. <br /> <br />Then let our love be simple, steadfast, true, <br />And we will Fate and all her arms defy. <br />With that blind conflict what have we to do, <br />However stabbed at by Adversity? <br />The mortal foe is slain, mistrust; the dread <br />Lest our love lean upon uncertainty; <br />Mistrust, that poisons the mind's daily bread, <br />And kills its needful faith. <br />For us, since our joined hands have made us brave, <br />Not ev'n Love's boastful foes, <br />Estranging Time nor separating Death, <br />Shall call us slave, <br />So that we keep perfect the name of those <br />Who did not buy each other's hearts, but gave.<br /><br />Robert Laurence Binyon<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/do-kings-put-faith-in-fortressed-walls-and-bar/
