I know that I shall meet my fate
Somewhere among the clouds above
Those that I fight I do not hate
Those that I guard I do not love.
My country is Kiltartan's Cross
My countrymen Kiltartan's poor,
No likely end could bring them loss
Nor leave them happier than before.
No law nor duty bade me fight
No public men, nor cheering crowds
A lonely impulse of delight
Led 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.

WB Yeats