The year of shame by William Watson With an introduction by the Bishop of Hereford |
 |
| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. | IV THE PRICE OF PRESTIGE |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
| XIII. |
| XIV. |
| XV. |
| XVI. |
| XVII. |
| XVIII. |
| XIX. |
| XX. |
| XXI. |
| XXII. |
| XXIII. |
| XXIV. |
| XXV. |
| XXVI. |
 | The year of shame by William Watson |  |
27
IV
THE PRICE OF PRESTIGE
You in high places; you that drive the steeds
Of Empire; you that say unto our hosts,
“Go thither,” and they go; and from our coasts
Bid sail the squadrons, and they sail, their deeds
Shaking the world: lo! from a land that pleads
For mercy where no mercy is, the ghosts
Look in upon you faltering at your posts—
28
To death. What stays the thunder in your hand?
A fear for England? Can her pillared fame
Only on faith forsworn securely stand,
On faith forsworn that murders babes and men?
Are such the terms of Glory's tenure? Then
Fall her accursed greatness, in God's name!
| The year of shame by William Watson | |