I have been happy truly, though sometimes,

It may be, I have missed the clear, brisk air

Of the free plains; the trumpet-notes of war,

When far against the sky the glint of spears

Lit by the rising sun revealed the ranks

Of the opposing host, the thundering onset

Of fierce conflicting squadrons, and the advance

Of the victorious hosts. Oh for the vigour

And freshness of such life! But I have chosen