The poem “England to Free Men” was written when England was for the first time about to adopt conscription as a method of recruiting an army to oppose German aggression in Belgium and France. =Discussion.= 1. Who is supposed to be speaking in this poem? 2. Whom does the speaker address? 3. Of what “courtyard” does the poet speak? 4. What is the meaning of the first two lines of the second stanza? 5. What kind of flag does the poet say England “flies in every sea”? 6. Explain the “wreath” mentioned in the last stanza. 7. What does the poet mean by “before my clock strikes twelve”? 8. What has been America’s attitude toward conscription? 9. What impression of the author do you gain from this poem? 10. Tell what you know of him. =Phrases= men of my blood, 341, 1 free of their lives, 341, 7 who bred no driven heart, 341, 9 that boasts a crown, 341, 13 the door is yet ajar, 342, 7 ye who delve, 342, 9 “MEN WHO MARCH AWAY” (Song of the Soldiers) THOMAS HARDY What of the faith and fire within us Men who march away Ere the barn-cocks say Night is growing gray, Leaving all that here could win us; What of the faith and fire within us Men who march away? Is it a purblind prank, O think you, Friend with the musing eye, Who watch us stepping by With doubt and dolorous sigh? Can much pondering so hoodwink you! Is it a purblind prank, O think you, Friend with the musing eye? Nay. We well see what we are doing, Though some may not see, Dalliers as they be; England’s need are we; Her distress would leave us rueing: Nay. We well see what we are doing, Though some may not see! In our heart of hearts believing Victory crowns the just, And that braggarts must Surely bite the dust, Press we to the field ungrieving, In our heart of hearts believing Victory crowns the just. Hence the faith and fire within us Men who march away Ere the barn-cocks say Night is growing gray, Leaving all that here could win us; Hence the faith and fire within us Men who march away. NOTES AND QUESTIONS