The Unreturned

What need they of memorial, who went
Afar, and came not back; what sculptured stone,
What monumental marble, who are known,
By native cliffs and headlands, spray besprent
By homeland hills, the surge of their own sea.
Familiar streams and valleys, and the love
They left in human hearts, which is above
All other things, their richest legacy?

What need they of memorial? The bright
Stars are their comrades; they are immortal made,
And they shall tireless walk with day and night,
And the high heavens shall know them, unafraid.
Say rather that we need a fane, who yet
Live in the land they loved, lest we forget.

J.C.B.