University of Virginia Library


90

TO THE MEMORY OF A GREAT QUEEN

IV

We, we who watched, and felt our hearts turn cold
When England mourned Victoria, seeing the skies
Darken, as when a solemn sunset dies:
We, who now list to selfishness grown bold
And hear a new world's clamorous shout for gold,
Triumphs material, gauds that trick the eyes,
While barriers thicken and sensual mists arise
Denser and denser, covering fold on fold
The lessening heavens wherein the great souls shine:
We, who have met the blood-stained thrusts of hell
And felt the healing of a hand divine,
Know that, though nation after nation fell,
If but she follow where her sure stars sign
With England and her sons it shall be well.
February 12, 1907.