hardest duty

the hardest duty which we have to face
is not the worst thing that might now befall
this is the final hardest sticking place

shadow and silence end in all disgrace
we could not any terror now forestall
the hardest duty which we have to face

the hero is the one who plays the ace
at the high moment of the trumpet call
this is the final hardest sticking place

no monster here has left a single trace
that would the smallest child's plain heart appall
the hardest duty which we have to face

we hide the ugliness in silk and lace
and think our planet is just a large ball
this is the final hardest sticking place

the sternest sergeant now must bear the mace
while lords and ladies prepare for the ball
the hardest duty which we have to face
this the final hardest sticking place