Comrades of risk and rigour long ago
Who have done battle under honour's name,
Hoped (living or shot down) some meed of fime,
And wooed bright Danger for a thrilling kiss, —
...
Walking round our cages like the lions at the
Zoo,
We think of things that we have done, and things
we mean to do :
Of girls we left behind us, of letters that are due,
...
How should I sing you ? — you who dwell unseen
Within the darkest chamber of my heart.
What picturesque and inward-turning art
Could shadow forth the image of my queen.
...
Outside, white snow
And freezing mire.
The heart of the house
Is a blazing fire !
...
Once, I remember, when we were at home
I had come into church, and waited late,
Ere lastly kneeling to communicate
Alone : and thinking that you would not come.
...
Oh pleasant things there be
Without this prison yard :
Fields green, and many a tree
With shadow on the sward,
...
Here where no tree changes,
Here in a prison of pine,
I think how Autumn ranges
The country that is mine.
...
Old year, farewell !
Much have you given which was ill to bear :
Much have taken which was dear, so dear :
Much have you spoken which was ill to hear ;
...
In general, if you want a man to do a dangerous
job : —
Say, swim the Channel, climb St. Paul's, or break
into and rob
The Bank of England, why, you find his wages
must be higher
...