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I saw a man this morning
   Who did not wish to die:
I ask, and cannot answer,
   If otherwise wish I.

Fair broke the day this morning
   Against the Dardanelles;
The breeze blew soft, the morn's cheeks
   Were cold as cold sea-shells.

But other shells are waiting
   Across the Aegean Sea,
Shrapnel and high explosive,
   Shells and hells for me.

O hell of ships and cities,
   Hell of men like me,
Fatal second Helen,
   Why must I follow thee?

Achilles came to Troyland
   And I to Chersonese:
He turned from wrath to battle,
   And I from three days' peace.

Was it so hard, Achilles,
   So very hard to die?
Thou knowest and I know not—
   So much the happier am I.

I will go back this morning
   From Imbros over the sea;
Stand in the trench, Achilles,
   Flame-capped, and shout for me.