158. Sixteen Dead Men
Hark! in the still night. Who goes there?
‘Fifteen dead men.’ Why do they wait?
‘Hasten, comrade, death is so fair.’
Now comes their Captain through the dim gate.
Sixteen dead men! What on their sword?
‘A nation’s honour proud do they bear.’
What on their bent heads? ‘God’s holy word;
All of their nation’s heart blended in prayer.’
Sixteen dead men! What makes their shroud?