Classic Poem

GREEN AND WHITE

How soft the gentle bay-leaves shine
Upon thy forehead white:
Fairer than rose or eglantine,
Or wreaths the woodland fairies twine,
Or pliant tendrils of the vine —
A sweeter nobler sight.

And if some leaves are splashed with blood,
Oh take it not amiss!
'Mid serried warriors I have stood
And borne the brunt of battle-flood,
Stemmed many a storm of sorrow rude,
Since last I felt thy kiss!