On Calais Sands
ON Calais Sands the gray began, Then rosy red above they gray; The morn with many a scarlet van Leaped, and the world was glad with May! The little waves along the bay Broke white upon the shelving strands; The sea-mews flitted white as they On Calais Sands! On Calais Sands must man with man Wash honor clean in blood to-day;
On spaces wet from waters wan How white the flashing rapiers play,— Parry, riposte! and lunge!
The fray Shifts for a while, then mournful stands The Victor: life ebbs fast away On Calais Sands! On Calais Sands a little space Of silence, then the plash and spray, The sound of eager waves that ran To kiss the perfumed locks astray,
To touch these lips that ne’er said “Nay,” To dally with the helpless hands, Till the deep sea in silence lay On Calais Sands! Between the lilac and the may She waits her love from alien lands; Her love is colder than the clay On Calais Sands!
Andrew Lang
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