University of Virginia Library


3

TO ENGLAND

SONNET

Not for a single moment must we hold
That England's force is spent. Not till the sun
Pales in the heavens will England's work be done.
Nay the pure Sun-God, armoured all in gold,
Still guides and guards us as in days of old
And still the Sea's wild love-kiss may be won:
The kiss She gives with passionate mouth to none
Save those of knightly mark and kingly mould.
Through deep-sown dangers, countless round thy road,
Strive onward, England. Lift thy giant load.
Whom heaven exalts no foeman can abase.
God gave thee a sword omnipotent when he
Left in thine hand the white hand of the Sea,
And set thy soul and Freedom face to face.
1904.