Encircled by the traffic's roar
Midst music and the blaze of light
The battle-jaded khaki knights
Throng, sleek and civilised once more.

On, one there was who, long ago
(Three centuries or is it years?)
Adored the splendour and the tears
Of London Ebb - of London Flow.

Oh, one whose very presence gave,
The common air an added grace,
Now in our hearts an empty place
And far in France an unmarked grave.