H. Spurrier
To raise a cheer we didn't dare
Although our blood was fire,
But waited for the signal word
That would not be "retire."
At last it came like liquid flame
And flooded down the trench.
"'C' Company, advance and charge!"
We gave our limbs a wrench,
And leaped upon the parapet
And flung a flaunting shout,
As though the fatal Fiends of War
Were boisterous and about.
Some furlongs four we had to run
And Hell did intervene;
A Death that rode invisible,
An Agony unseen.
At every step a comrade fell,
Nor face of foe we saw.
Fell young Lieutenant Anderson
And gallant Captain Shaw.
Yet on we rushed and never paused,
For death was in delay,
Yet nearer, nearer to our goal,
91
