Before the Battle by Siegfried Sassoon

    Music of whispering trees
    Hushed by the broad-winged breeze
    Where shaken water gleams;
    And evening radiance falling
    With reedy bird-notes calling.
    O bear me safe through dark, you low-voiced streams.

    I have no need to pray
    That fear may pass away;
    I scorn the growl and rumble of the fight
    That summons me from cool
    Silence of marsh and pool,
    And yellow lilies islanded in light.
    O river of stars and shadows, lead me through the night.

    June 25th, 1916.