Hold As Hold Can

The time shortens

The pace speeds,

Times pile upon times

At the world’s needs.

 

We are the witnesses

At the end spell,

The ranks close rapidly

By the dry well.

 

You hold the centre,

You guard the flank,

The light but glimmers

Where once we drank.

 

His deep in hearts

Immune to man,

The last, lost faithful

Hold as hold can.

 

David Lewis Paget