England to her Sons

William Noel Hodgson

Killed at the Battle of the Somme, on the 1st of July 1916

Written in August 1914

Sons of mine, I hear you thrilling

To the trumpet call of war;

Gird ye then, I give you freely

As I gave your sires before,

All the noblest of the children I in love and anguish bore.

Free in service, wise in justice,

Fearing but dishonour's breath;

Steeled to suffer uncomplaining

Loss and failure, pain and death;

Strong in faith that sees the issue and in hope that triumpheth.

Go, and may the God of battles

You in His good guidance keep:

And if He in wisdom giveth

Unto His beloved sleep,

I accept it nothing asking, save a little space to weep.

Click to return to our Poets' corner