THE ANXIOUS DEAD LIEUT. COL. JOHN McCRAE
Reading edition
in The London Spectator
O GUNS, fall silent till the dead men hear Above their heads the legions pressing on! (These fought their fight in time of bitter fear And died not knowing how the day had gone.) O flashing muzzles, pause and let them see The coming dawn that streaks the sky afar! Then let your mighty chorus witness be To them, and Cæsar, that we still make war. Tell them, O guns, that we have heard their call; That we have sworn and will not turn aside; That we will onward till we win or fall; That we will keep the faith for which they died. Bid them be patient, and some day, anon, They shall feel earth enwrapt in silence deep— Shall greet in wonderment the quiet dawn, And in content may turn them to their sleep.