I know that I shall meet my fate somewhere among the 
clouds above
Those that I fight I do not hate, those that I guard I do 
not love
My country is Kiltartan Cross, my countrymen Kiltartan's 
poor
No likely end could bring them loss or leave them happier 
than before.

Nor law, nor duty bade me fight, nor public men, nor 
cheering crowds
A lonely impulse of delight drove to this tumult in the 
clouds
I balanced all, brought all to mind, the years to come 
seemed waste of breath
A waste of breath the years behind in balance with this 
life, this death
A waste of breath the years behind in balance with this 
life, this death.