University of Virginia Library

Search this document 

collapse sectionI. 
expand section 
collapse section 
expand section 
  
expand section 
expand section 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
expand section 
  
expand section 
expand section 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
expand sectionII. 
expand sectionIII. 
expand sectionIV. 
expand sectionV. 
expand sectionVI. 
expand sectionVII. 
expand sectionVIII. 
expand sectionIX. 
expand sectionX. 
expand sectionXI. 


331

SONNET XIII
ENGLAND DECADENT

“This people was once a terror to the world.” —Chatham.

If we are doomed to watch the mighty land
That warriors' swords and singers' souls made great
Reel like a helmless vessel on her fate,
Saved by no mastering voice, no pilot's hand:
If leaders take to flight when fools withstand:
If, called to manhood's service for the State,
Men tremble and argue, plead and hesitate:
If we turn suppliants, who could once command:
If England's arm has lost its power to strike,
If England's heart has lost its power to feel,
If England's tongue has lost its power to speak
Truth to her statesmen like a thunder-peal,
War would be better; wherein strong and weak
May perish, undishonoured, all alike.
December 22, 1910.