THE CROSSES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 473, 16 August 1915, Page 6

THE CROSSES.

' (BELGIUM, 1914-15;) O'er countless mounds on the wide grey plain, ■..."•'■' The crosses stand against the sky; For requiem, the sullen roar Of cannon", as the wind sweeps by;. . And he lies there; why do we weep? ;God giveth our beloved—sleep. What did we hope for him we loved? Life full and fair, success, renown? Kay, greater fame can no man win Than a life laid nobly down For England's needs; a soldier's death t Gpd giveth hiin—the Victor's wreath! What matters Time, if he fulfilled God's purpose in the day of need? Outweighs a hundred empty years One glorious hour, oiie noble deed. We asked full life, O God, of Thee, And Thou didst give—Eternity! O'er exiled dead, o'er hearts at home, The Cross's Shadow fills the land; 'Tls Thine the cause for which they die, O God! their souls are in Thy Hand. For country, right, and loyal word, We plead their sacrifice, 0 Lord! A.8.L., in the "Observer."