As I gird on for fighting

by A. E. Housman

    As I gird on for fighting
    My sword upon my thigh,
    I think on old ill fortunes
    Of better men than I.

    Think I, the round world over,
    What golden lads are low
    With hurts not mine to mourn for
    And shames I shall not know.

    What evil luck soever
    For me remains in store,
    ‘Tis sure much finer fellows
    Have fared much worse before.

    So here are things to think on
    That ought to make me brave,
    As I strap on for fighting
    My sword that will not save.