BALLADE OF BOOKS FOR THE WOUNDED.
'Midst of the world and the world's despair,
A fair land lieth in all men's sight;
Ye that have breathed its witching air,
Remember the men who went to fight,
That have much need in their piteous plight
Its gates to gain and its ease to win.
The need is bitter, the gift is light;
Give them the key to enter in.
If ever ye crept bowed down with care
Thither, and lo! your fears took flight,
And the burden of life grew little to bear,
And hurts were healed and the way lay bright;
If ever ye watched through a wakeful night
Till the dawn should break and the dusk grow thin,
And a tale brought solace in pain's despite,
Give them the key to enter in.
Once they were stalwart, swift to dare;
Little could baulk them, naught affright;
Still are they staunch as then they were,
Strong to endure as once to smite.
Yet for awhile if so they might
They would forget the strife and din;
Shall they wait at a door shut tight?
Give them the key to enter in.
Envoi.
Friends, this haven is theirs by right;
They held it safe for you and your kin:
Hereby a little may ye requite—
Give them the key to enter in!