COUNT not the cost of honour to the dead! The tribute that a mighty nation pays To those who loved her well in former days Means more than gratitude for glories fled; For every noble man that she hath bred, Lives in the bronze and marble that we raise, Immortalised by art's immortal praise, To lead our sons as he our fathers led. These monuments of manhood strong and high Do more than forts or battle-ships to keep Our dear-bought liberty. They fortify The heart of youth with valour wise and deep; They build eternal bulwarks, and command Immortal hosts to guard our native land. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A CHRISTMAS CAROL by JOSIAH GILBERT HOLLAND LIKE A LAVEROCK IN THE LIFT by JEAN INGELOW THE SOWER AND HIS SEED by WILLIAM EDWARD HARTPOLE LECKY THE MODERN MOTHER by ALICE MEYNELL THE SAILOR BOY by ALFRED TENNYSON SONNET: A PREACHER by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH THE ORIGIN OF SONG-WRITING by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD |