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Shawords

Quote#Death

What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?

Quote byWilfred Owen · 1893–1918

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Anthem for Doomed Youth.

English (original)

What passing-bells for these who die as cattle? — Only the monstrous anger of the guns. Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle Can patter out their hasty orisons. No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells; Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs, — The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells; And bugles calling for them from sad shires.

— Wilfred Owen

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