The Dead For England

Where rest the dead for England? . . . In fields of France afar, And shell-torn plains of Flanders, Once loud with England's war. And many a desert silence, And many a wandering wave, Have given the dead for England Their glory and their grave. How sleep the dead for England? . . . A quiet sleep and sound; They could not sleep the sweeter At home in English ground Than yonder far from England Beneath a stranger sky, With the salt seas streaming over, And the armies marching by. What gave the dead for England? . . . All gracious things in life They gave and, giving, grudged not, The kiss of child and wife, Love's dream and dreams' fulfilment, Small joys and peaceful ways, The strength of youth exulting, The length of mellowing days. What leave the dead to England, For England's sake who died? . . . Their dear ones for our caring, Their memory for our pride. Their trust to hold unswerving, To end their task begun, And a fairer, sweeter England To build when war is done!