Now and After

NOW.
"Mother of England ! why do you weep ?"
"My heart's with the fate of my own dearest sons
Fighting for Freedom against modern Huns :
Prayerful, a watch o'er their spirits I keep :
I gave them up gladly, but Oh, how I pine,
To kiss and embrace them, laddies of mine !"

"Daughter of England ! why do you grieve ?"
"I think of my lover so tender and brave,
And there in my dreams I oft see a grave,
Until with its sadness my bosom doth heave.
I think of his manhood, I dream of his loss :
How hard 'tis to tread the way of the cross !

"Young boy of England ! why do you cry ?"
"I once had a daddy so tall and so strong,
Who loved me and sang of his love in deep song ;
Who often for me toys and sweeties would buy :
But why does my daddy not come back to me?
For though he's a soldier he must long for me !"

AFTER.
"Mother of England ! do you regret
Giving your sons to die for their land ?"
"No ! while I freedom of life understand;
No ! though my eyes with their memories are wet.
I'd give them again, my laddies so brave,
Tho' my Life's in their memory, and my heart's in their grave !

"Daughter of England ! do you recall
The night that you bade your fair lover go ?"
"My lover a man was and had I said 'No'
His sweetheart a woman you never could call.
I'm glad, as his features in memory I scan,
My love was a soldier, my love was a man !"

"Young lad of England ! are you not glad
Your father did fight the terrible foe ?"
"I'm proud with the mem'ry and sometimes I grow
In thought of his deeds with emotion half mad.
I wear, Sir, the V.C. (though dead) that he won :
'Twill keep me in honour, 'twill make me his son !"