I know that I shall meet my fate



Somewhere among the clouds above;



Those that I fight I do not hate,



Those that I guard I do not love;



My country is Kiltartan Cross,



My countrymen Kiltartan’s poor,



No likely end could bring them loss



Or leave them happier than before.



Nor law, nor duty bade me fight,



Nor public men, nor cheering crowds,



A lonely impulse of delight



Drove to this tumult in the clouds;



I balanced all, brought all to mind,



The years to come seemed waste of breath,



A waste of breath the years behind



In balance with this life, this death.





