Here, where Vespasian's legions struck the sands
And Cerdic with his Saxons entered in
And Henry's army leapt afloat to win
Convincing triumphs over neighbour lands

Vaster battalions press for further strands
To argue in the selfsame bloody mode
Which this late age of thought, and pact, and code
Still fails to mend. - Now deckward tramp the bands

Yellow as autumn leaves, alive as spring;
And as each host draws out upon the sea
Beyond which lies the tragical To-be
None dubious of the cause, none murmuring

Wives, sisters, parents, wave white hands and smile
As if they knew not that they weep the while