In purpose unsparing,
    In action no less,
The labours he praised
    He would seek and profess
Through travail and battle,
    At hazard and pain. . . .
And our world is none the braver
    Since Great-Heart was ta’en!

Plain speech with plain folk,
    And plain words for false things,
Plain faith in plain dealing
    ’Twixt neighbours or kings,
He used and he followed,
    However it sped. . . .
Oh, our world is none more honest
    Now Great-Heart is dead!

The heat of his spirit
    Struck warm through all lands;
For he loved such as showed
    ’Emselves men of their hands;
In love, as in hate,
    Paying home to the last. . . .
But our world is none the kinder
    Now Great-Heart hath passed!

Hard-schooled by long power,
    Yet most humble of mind
Where aught that he was
    Might advantage mankind.
Leal servant, loved master,
    Rare comrade, sure guide. . . .
Oh, our world is none the safer
     Now Great-Heart hath died!

Let those who would handle
    Make sure they can wield
His far-reaching sword
    And his close-guarding shield:
For those who must journey
    Henceforward alone
Have need of stout convoy
    Now Great-Heart is gone.