I know that I shall meet my fate
Somewhere among the clouds above;
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Those that I fight I do not hate,
Those that I guard I do not love;
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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.
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