The battle of life.

Description:

Once upon a time, it matters little when, and in stalwart England, it matters little where, a fierce battle was fought. It was fought upon a long summer day when the waving grass was green. Many a wild flower formed by the Almighty Hand to be a perfumed goblet for the dew, felt its enamelled cup filled high with blood that day, and shrinking dropped. Many an insect deriving its delicate colour from harmless leaves and herbs, was stained anew that day by dying men, and marked its frightened way with an unnatural track.

subjects: Classic Literature,  Fiction,  Social life and customs,  English Christmas stories,  British and irish fiction (fictional works by one author),  Fiction, general,  Fiction, historical, general,  Taxation of articles of consumption,  Local taxation