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187
DEI GRATIA.
As one who, journeying through a shadowy land,
Sees from above the clouds some Alpine height—
Throned on immensity and crowned with light—
Look o'er the world, with aspect lone and grand;
Sees from above the clouds some Alpine height—
Throned on immensity and crowned with light—
Look o'er the world, with aspect lone and grand;
So had I watched Her long, in plenitude
Of greatness and of virtue, draw the eye
And heart of nations,—while proud Loyalty
Stirred with the strength of passion in my blood.
Of greatness and of virtue, draw the eye
And heart of nations,—while proud Loyalty
Stirred with the strength of passion in my blood.
But now,—as he, drawn near the mountain base,
Sees flowery vales unfolding to the sun,
Hears laughing streams by happy hamlets run—
I see the pure, sweet Woman's household grace:
Sees flowery vales unfolding to the sun,
Hears laughing streams by happy hamlets run—
I see the pure, sweet Woman's household grace:
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Behold Her starlike in Her orbit move,
Blessing and blest: benignant, wise, serene!
And henceforth hail Her, more—not less than Queen,
Though Loyalty is swallowed up of Love.
Blessing and blest: benignant, wise, serene!
And henceforth hail Her, more—not less than Queen,
Though Loyalty is swallowed up of Love.
Windsor, December 1863.
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