University of Virginia Library


104

XCVI. BY ALL THE STRENGTH OF SONG

By all the strength of holy song I swear
Thou shalt not be forgotten—thy sweet eyes
Shall shine for ever on the world; more fair
And everlasting with each new sunrise
Thou shalt be; at the wonder of thine hair
Women shall wonder,—and thy snow-white hands
Like Helen's, shall bring gifts to many lands,—
Nor shall thy name forsake the English air.
O English lady, fair white English rose
Breathed upon gently by the northern wind,
Thee from thine empire time shall not depose.
Thou shalt in every noble English mind
Blossom for ever: through my music glows
Thy flower-face, there indelibly designed.