The Poetical Works of George Barlow In Ten [Eleven] Volumes |
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SONNET XI
FIELD-MARSHAL EARL ROBERTS
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 | The Poetical Works of George Barlow |  |
329
SONNET XI
FIELD-MARSHAL EARL ROBERTS
He told the truth to England.—Never yet
Has any told the straight truth without fear
But England's deepest soul has given an ear.
The Commons paltered, timorous statesmen met:
Not one would trust the nation. 'Mid regret,
Hate, anger, indecision, dawns the year
That should have brought the imperial moment here.
Lurid at sunrise, how will this year set?
One thing we know—that one man spoke the truth
And warned a palsied people. Once he drew,
And lit the darkness with a sudden sword.
He shamed our craven Church, our cowardly youth,
Our men debauched in brothel or in pew.
He wielded, once, the lightning of the Lord.
December 14, 1910.
| The Poetical Works of George Barlow | |