University of Virginia Library


337

SONNET XIX
FOR CORONATION DAY, THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 1911.

II

No task uncertain, no half-dubious thing
Is set before us. England up or down
Must journey, and with England moves the Crown.
Not to an Emperor, not to any King
Did seasons strange, austere or joyous, bring
So vast a chance of an undreamed renown:
Whether the statesmen-chatterers praise or frown,
Or world-wide jealousy point its venomed sting.
Dark India summons with a soul of fire:
Far Canada's plains, each snow-lit mountain-gorge,
Australia's heart, and Africa's desire:
While all who still can fight and still can pray
Cry, on this stately Coronation Day,
“God guard our Empire, and God save King George!”