Across the Breadth and Height
Across the breadth and height of England spread
Out harshly on their slabs beneath the stained
Glass, death, and honor men lie, with a head
Of stone or metal, memory sustained
Just barely in a chapel or a church,
Cathedrals often. Always they are in
Their military dress. Words never lurch
To make a mention of besetting sin
Or scandal. Not so seldom Latin hides
The truth, a rare item for every saint
Of secularity and war. Pure air abides
Around them, cool, completely without taint
King, Commodore, and Emperor, and Duke,
Vile holinesses make me want to puke.