Three Hundred Sonnets | ||
239
THE IMPERIAL VISIT.
Could any Triumph have transcended this?Could all, that evil conquest might have won
In trophied war by guilty daring done
Have set thy glory higher than it is?—
Behold, how gladly Heav'n's approving Sun
Shines on good faith! how graciously the Lord
Blesses a brotherhood so well begun
With honours greater, than to conquering sword,
Or rank, or right, before were ever given!
Thou hast done well; and therefore favouring Heaven
(Forgiving sin,—as all most deeply need,)
Hath in these golden days with love sublime
Smiled on us both,—and made us friends indeed,
England and France: so be it for all time!
Three Hundred Sonnets | ||