The Dawn in Britain :: :: University of Virginia Library

I chant new day-spring, in the Muses' Isles,
Of Christ's eternal Kingdom. Men of the East,
Of hew and raiment strange, and uncouth speech,
Behold, in storm-beat ship, cast nigh our Land!

New Light is risen upon the World, from whence
The dawn doth rise. In Canaan of the East,
These days, was heard, of men, as Voice divine;
Which in Thy mouth, Jesua, our Prince of Peace!

But thou, dear Foster, Britain's Muse, record,
What antique wights dwelled ere in this sweet soil;
Who kings, of sacred seed, bare o'er them rule;
What gods adored then the blue-pictured Britons.
Sith tumults, great war-deeds of Britain's sons;
And erst of glorious Brennus in Mainland.
Who conquered Rome, and Italy did burn;
And arms of his great seed, still turned gainst Rome.

None from dim ruins, in vast deep abysm,
Of buried ages, Muse, save thou alone,
Nurseling of Memory, can revoke again!
Sith Cæsar's wars, in this Far Island Britain;
Where now, behold, yond saints of Christ arrive.