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