In the Night

Gallant fellows, tall and strong,
Oh your strength was not for long,
Now within its bed alone
Quiet lies your nerveless bone.

Merry maidens young and fair,
Now your heads are bleached and bare.
Grinning mouths that smiled so sweet,
Buried deep the dancing feet.

Men and maidens fair and brave
Resting in your darkened grave.
Have you left the light behind.
Will you never feel the wind?

Oh I know not if you may,
But from eve till dawn of day
Terror holds me in my bed.
Terror of the living dead.

Oxford, 1912