 | Flower o' the thorn |  |
FREDERICK BURNABY.
(Abou Klea, Jan. 17, 1885).
THOU wast of those with heart and hand who rearedOur England to her high imperial place
And her therein maintained, despite the base
Curst crew, that fain upon the rocks had steered,
Her constant son, who none and nothing feared,
Nor at Life's hand asked any greater grace
Than leave to look far Danger in the face
And pluck rebated Peril by the beard.
—As first, so last, the Fates to thee were kind,
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Occasion for the land thou lov'dst so well
Fighting to fall and on the desert wind
Pass, borne of Battle's chariots of fire,
To where, death-shrined, the high-souled heroes dwell.
| Flower o' the thorn | |