WITH AND ESSAY IN CHARACTER by Sir Andrew Macphail

WITH AND ESSAY IN CHARACTER

by Sir Andrew Macphail

[This text is taken from the New York edition of 1919.]

John McCrae, physician, soldier, and poet, died in France a Lieutenant-Colonel with the Canadian forces.

The poem which gives this collection of his lovely verse its name has been extensively reprinted, and received with unusual enthusiasm.

The volume contains, as well, a striking essay in character by his friend, Sir Andrew Macphail.

{Although the poem itself is included shortly, this next section is included for completeness, and to show John McCrae's punctuation — also to show that I'm not the only one who forgets lines. — A. L.}

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

In Flanders fields the poppies grow Between the crosses, row on row That mark our place: and in the sky The larks still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The Torch: be yours to hold it high! If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. John McCrae

{From a} Facsimile of an autograph copy of the poem "In Flanders Fields"

This was probably written from memory as "grow" is used in place of "blow" in the first line.

CONTENTS

Contents With Dates of Origin

In Flanders Fields

The Anxious Dead
The Warrior
Isandlwana
The Unconquered Dead
The Captain
The Song of the Derelict
Quebec
Then and Now
Unsolved
The Hope of My Heart
Penance
Slumber Songs
The Oldest Drama
Recompense
Mine Host
Equality
Anarchy
Disarmament
The Dead Master
The Harvest of the Sea
The Dying of Pere Pierre
Eventide
Upon Watts' Picture "Sic Transit"
A Song of Comfort
The Pilgrims
The Shadow of the Cross
The Night Cometh
In Due Season


JOHN MCCRAE
I. In Flanders Fields

II. With the Guns
Here ends the account of his part in this memorable battle,
And here follow some general observations upon the experience:
A few strokes will complete the picture:
And here is one last note to his mother:
At this time the Canadian division was moving south to take its share in
This phase of the war lasted two months precisely,

III. The Brand of War

IV. Going to the Wars

V. South Africa
The next entry is from South Africa:
The next letter is from the Lines of Communication:
Three weeks later he writes:
With Ian Hamilton's column near Balmoral.
At Lyndenburg:

VI. Children and Animals

VII. The Old Land and the New

VIII. The Civil Years

IX. Dead in His Prime