The Queen and Other Poems :: :: University of Virginia Library

As camping hosts at trump of battle blown,
All to their feet by common impulse rise;
“The Queen!” the ruler of the banquet cries,
And all with thundering cheer acclaim the Throne.
But one far guest, whose hand had harvest sown
Maturing then 'neath blaze of Austral skies,
The high health hails; then, soft 'twixt words and sighs,
“God bless her,” breathes, so low, I hear alone.
Than all the plaudits that with plaudits vied,
As shout on shout beneath the rafter rung,
Be rather, Queen, that whispering prayer thy choice.
Worth, Honour, Wisdom trained and Valour tried
Spoke in that clamour, but the heart and tongue
Of all thy Empire in the still small voice.

The Hon. Mr Reid, member of the Legislative Council of Victoria.