1904-1940

Columnist Capt (Retd) A A JILANI reproduces some very eloquent verses from the Fall of France June 1940.

Was I not faithful to you from the first?
When have I ever failed you since my youth?
I loved without illusion, knew the worst,
But felt the best was nearer to the truth.

You were indulgent, too, and open-eyed
To the shortcomings I was frank to own,
So we were mingled, destined side by side
To face a world we could not face alone.

Did you keep faith with me? When all was well
Yes: but I clave to you when all was not.
And when temptation touched your citadel,
Your weakness won again, and you forgot ....

Forgot yourself, and freedom and your friends,
Even interest: and now our vaunted glow
Becomes a blush, as the long story ends
In sorry separation at Bordeaux.

You hate me now: you will not hate me less
If I go on unshaken by your fall,
If for your sake, devoid of bitterness,
I face the world without you after all.

ROBERT VANSITTART