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56
General Gordon.
JANUARY 26TH, 1885.
Hero of selfless heroes, resolute,
Simple in heart, of purpose crystal clear,
Ah! what availed that soul-perplexing year
Of lonely patience, expectation mute,
Those winks of watch dog slumber to recruit
Waste of long nights, and bid thee persevere
To build up ramparts in dark hearts of fear,
And pace the city wall with guardian foot!
Simple in heart, of purpose crystal clear,
Ah! what availed that soul-perplexing year
Of lonely patience, expectation mute,
Those winks of watch dog slumber to recruit
Waste of long nights, and bid thee persevere
To build up ramparts in dark hearts of fear,
And pace the city wall with guardian foot!
Oh, what availed thy fruitless questioning
Of that beleaguered plain beyond the Nile,
Whose dust-whirls never broke to flash of sword,
Volley of English cannon, and the ring
Of cheers from hearts that sought thee—this, thine Isle,
Has learned how live and die, the warriors of the Lord.
Of that beleaguered plain beyond the Nile,
Whose dust-whirls never broke to flash of sword,
Volley of English cannon, and the ring
Of cheers from hearts that sought thee—this, thine Isle,
Has learned how live and die, the warriors of the Lord.
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