Villanelle to a Noble Enemy

Unfurl your flag, let your marching tune soar
in defeat nonetheless you stood your ground
your bravery earned the Honours of War.

As men wailed and bodies piled by the door
a mournful dirge o’er raging battle did sound
unfurl your flag, let your marching tune soar.

Despairing not you showed esprit de corp
without hope yet upheld pride most profound
your bravery earned the Honours of War.

Our shots were fired true, blood flooded your floor
yet you returned fire for each comrade downed
unfurl your flag, let your marching tune soar.

Three days you held off an army before
at last your captain in his own blood drowned
your bravery earned the Honours of War.

Every defender was covered in gore
not a bullet left not one single round
unfurl your flag, let your marching tune soar
your bravery earned the Honours of War.