Muscovite metal makes this English Cross,

Won in a rain of blood and wreath of flame;

The guns that thundered for their brave lives’ loss

Are worn hence, for their fame!

The men of all the army and the fleet,

The very bravest of the very brave,

Linesman and Lord—these fought with equal feet

Firm-planted on the grave.

The men who, setting light their blood and breath,