A.E. Housman (1859–1936)

The olive in its orchard

        Should now be rooted sure,

To cast abroad its branches

        And flourish and endure.

Aloft amid the trenches

        Its dressers dug and died

The olive in its orchard

        Should prosper and abide.

Close should the fruit be clustered

        And light the leaf should wave,

So deep the root is planted

        In the corrupting grave.