The correct answer for Plato users would be: "The years to come seemed waste of breath, A waste of breath the years behind" Here is proof with a helpful photo. ;)
The first part when he says he "shall meet my fate" could allude to a choice of joining. This could allude to an acceptance of fate sort of standard and that he made his decision. Another is the last two lines when he says "Nor law... nor cheering crowds." This quotation shows that the government, the duty to his country, the men around him, and those at home cheering them on did not persuade him to fight. In the second last line this is known when he states "nor law nor duty bade me fight".
