A. E. Housman (1859–1936). A Shropshire Lad. 1896.
III. Leave your home behind, lad
The RecruitL
And reach your friends your hand,
And go, and luck go with you
While Ludlow tower shall stand.
When Ludlow streets are still
And Ludlow bells are calling
To farm and lane and mill,
When Ludlow market hums
And Ludlow chimes are playing
‘The conquering hero comes,’
Or come not home at all,
The lads you leave will mind you
Till Ludlow tower shall fall.
That blows in lands of morn,
And make the foes of England
Be sorry you were born.
On lands of morn may lie,
And make the hearts of comrades
Be heavy where you die.
Your friends by field and town:
Oh, town and field will mind you
Till Ludlow tower is down.