William Bentley (Regimental No 3007), Killed in action at the Battle of Fromelles, had a favourite poem he carried with him throughout the war. His mother Emma, a devout Methodist, requested a verse be written on his headstone, "You will finish your work on the other side, When you wake in His likeness, satisfied." As it exceeded 66 characters it was rejected. His is buried at Rue de Bois Military Cemetery, Plot I, Row F, Grave No. 42 with the alternative inscription requested by his mother " GOD'S"WELL DONE" IS THE REWARD OF FAITHFUL DUTY " Remembered with Honour.
THIS IS LIFE.
'"I have planned much work for my life,"
she said, A girlish creature with golden hair,
And bright and winsome as she was fair.
"The days are full till, he comes to wed;
The clothes to buy, and the home to make
A very Eden for his dear sake."
But cares soon some to the wedded wife ; .
She shares his duties and hopes and fears,
Which lessen not with the waning years.
For a very struggle at best is life;
If we knew the burdens along the line
We would shrink to receive this gift divine.
Sometimes, in the hush of the evening hour,
She thinks of the leisure, she meant to gain,
And the work she would do with hand and brain.
I'm tired to-night; I am lacking power
To think," she says; "I must wait until
My brain is rested, and pulse is still."
O woman and man, there is never rest!
Dream not of leisure that will not come
Till age shall make, you. both blind, and dumb. ;
'You must live each day at your very best;
The work of the world is done by few;
God asks that a part be done by you.
Say oft, of the years as they pass from sight,.
"This is life with its golden store;
I shall have it once, but it comes no more."
Have a purpose, and do with your utmost might;
You will finish your work on the other side,
When you wake in His likeness, satisfied.
"Tags of Verse." Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) 16 November 1895: 38. Web. 28 Jan 2022 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71216124>.
