THE DEBT UNPAYABLE

What have I given,

Bold sailor on the sea,

In earth or heaven,

That you should die for me?

What can I give,

O soldier, leal and brave,

Long as I live,

To pay the life you gave?

What tithe or part

Can I return to thee,

O stricken heart,

That thou shouldst break for me?

The wind of Death

For you has slain life's flowers,

It withereth

(God grant) all weeds in ours.

F. W. Bourdillon

By permission of the Author