156
PROLOGUE
Most marvellous in the wars your own
Crimean eyes had seen;
And now–like old-world inns that take
Some warrior for a sign
That therewithin a guest may make
True cheer with honest wine–
Because you heard the lines I read
Nor utter'd word of blame,
I dare without your leave to head
These rhymings with your name,
Who know you but as one of those
I fain would meet again,
Yet know you, as your England knows
That you and all your men
Were soldiers to her heart's desire,
When, in the vanish'd year,
You saw the league-long rampart-fire
Crimean eyes had seen;
And now–like old-world inns that take
Some warrior for a sign
That therewithin a guest may make
True cheer with honest wine–
Because you heard the lines I read
Nor utter'd word of blame,
I dare without your leave to head
These rhymings with your name,
Who know you but as one of those
I fain would meet again,
Yet know you, as your England knows
That you and all your men
Were soldiers to her heart's desire,
When, in the vanish'd year,
You saw the league-long rampart-fire
