I know that I shall meet my fate Somewhere among the clouds above Those that I fight I do not hate Those that I guard not love
My country is Kiltartan Cross My countrymen Kiltartan's poor No likely end could bring them loss Or leave them happier than before
Nor law, nor duty bade me fight Nor public men, nor cheering crowds A lonely impulse of delight Drove to this tumult in the clouds I balanced all, brought all to mind The years to come seemed waste of breath A waste of breath the years behind In balance with this life, this death