The poem
We made all possible preparations, Drew up a list of firms, Constantly revised our calculations And allotted the farms,
Issued all the orders expedient In this kind of case: Most, as was expectd, were obedient, Though there were murmurs, of course;
Chiefly against our exercising Our old right to abuse: Even some sort of attempt at rising, But these were mere boys.
For never serious misgiving Occurred to anyone, Since there could be no question of living If we did not win.
The generally accepted view teaches That there was no excuse, Though in the light of recent researches Many would find the cause
In a not uncommon form of terror; Others, still more astute, Point to possibilities of error At the very start.
As for ourselves there is left remaining Our honour at least, And a reasonable chance of retaining Our faculties to the last.