RETRIBUTION
While our rivals, ardent, eager, toiling on from day to day,
Seek to win and grasp the Trident,
rule the waves with sovereign sway,
Our bold striving, our whole effort, is to fling the gift away,
To procure a moment's respite, one more instant of delay.
“Cease to probe and carp and question. Nay, inquiry shall be none.
We are sapient trusty Sea-Lords, all we do is wisely done.
If we choose to work in darkness, why let in the dangerous sun?
All is ready: armour-plating, mast and halyard, shot and gun.
“Never dream you cannot trust us. Mark how confident and clear
Rings the German bright war-trumpet on pale Europe's listening ear!
Every resonant note is peaceful, promise ample and sincere.
We will blow a friendly bugle, for our bugling friends to hear.”
But the nation rose in anger: as one man the nation rose
And a stormier Trumpet sounded, for it thundered forth the close
Of an era of deception, lies and frauds and shifts and shows,
And a fiery retribution on our leaders, not our foes.
March, 1909.
