Poetry Archives

Forcing himself to steadiness, he tried
To quell the uproar, told them what he dared
Of his own life and circumstance.  Implied
Most urgent matters, time could ill be spared.
In jesting mood his comrades heard his tale,
And scoffed at it.  He felt his anger more
Goaded and bursting;— “Cowards!  Is no one loth
To mock at duty—”  Here they called for ale,
And forced a pipe upon him.  With an oath
He shivered it to fragments on the earthen floor.