64519: To Lucasta On Going To The Wars ---For The Fourth Time

<p dir="ltr"> It doesn't matter what's the cause,<br> What wrong they say we're righting,<br> A curse for treaties, bonds and laws,<br> When we're to do the fighting!<br> And since we lads are proud and true,<br> What else remains to do?<br> Lucasta, when to France your man<br> Returns his fourth time, hating war,<br> Yet laughs as calmly as he can<br> And flings an oath, but says no more,<br> That is not courage, that's not fear---<br> Lucasta he's a Fusilier,<br> And his pride sends him here.<br> Let statesmen bluster, bark and bray<br> And so decide who started<br> This bloody war, and who's to pay<br> But he must be stout-hearted,<br> Must sit and stake with quiet breath,<br> Playing at cards with Death.<br> Don't plume yourself he fights for you;<br> It is no courage, love, or hate<br> That lets us do the things we do;<br> It's pride that makes the heart so great;<br> It is not anger, no, nor fear---<br> Lucasta he's a Fusilier,<br> And his pride keeps him here.</p>