Classic Poem

1.

It did not reach the soldier's ear,
Behind the belching gun,
That he was bold to have no fear,
With the great fight begun.
He did not know that he was brave,
With enemy in sight,
He recked not whether goal or grave,
So long as he could fight.

2.

He did not fear his country's foe,
When met in war's arraign,
His eyes were bright with eager glow
To still their rifles' rain.
He did not flinch the bullet's shave,
But let the red blood run.
He only knew he had been brave
When the great fight was won.