'SONG OF THE EIGHTEEN DEAD'

Evening Star, Issue 25168, 6 May 1944, Page 6

'SONG OF THE EIGHTEEN DEAD'

The above title was that given to-» poignant poem which breathes _th» stoic, patient courage of the patriotiQ Dutch: •A cell two metres long for me. Two metres broad as well; That plot of earth will smaller be, Though where I cannot tell; But there unknown: my rest, I'll take* • My comrades with me slain. Eighteen strong men saw morning break — We'll see no dawn again. 0 'bright and lovely land, farewell! Farewell ' free dunes and shores! 1 vow that from,the hour, you fell . I thought of ease no more. r What can a loyal man and true, " At such a time essay, But bid his wife and child adieu, And fight the useless fray? Hard was my task, "my duty stern. It brought me toil and strife, But yet my heart would neyer» turn) Back to my easy life. Freedom was once in Netherlaad (Both honoured and maintained, Until the savage spoiler's hand • It's dwelling place pTofan'd. ißerlin's Pied Piper pipes a tune Seductive, false, and sweet, But sure as death is coming soon. My love I'll never greet Nor ever sup with her again. Nor by her side will lie— His seeming kindnesses disdain:That fowler cruel and-sly. (Remember always, you who read. These friends who with me die, Kinsmen and all for whom we bleed* Keep green our memory As we have seen in days now gone This word, to you we 6ay: "The darkest night precedes th« dawn, &nd clouds must pass away.'*

The early light of morning, see", # Gleams through that window higE* Dying, Oh God, a light make me, My failures justify. All men will err though they maj) plan: .Thy mercy. Lord, I pray That I may* quit the world a man Before the squad to-day.