 | The Poems of Algernon Charles Swinburne |  |
249
THE CHANNEL TUNNEL
Not for less love, all glorious France, to thee,“Sweet enemy” called in days long since at end,
Now found and hailed of England sweeter friend,
Bright sister of our freedom now, being free;
Not for less love or faith in friendship we
Whose love burnt ever toward thee reprehend
The vile vain greed whose pursy dreams portend
Between our shores suppression of the sea.
Not by dull toil of blind mechanic art
Shall these be linked for no man's force to part
Nor length of years and changes to divide,
But union only of trust and loving heart
And perfect faith in freedom strong to abide
And spirit at one with spirit on either side.
April 3, 1882.
| The Poems of Algernon Charles Swinburne | |