 | Collected poems |  |
632
A BALLAD OF THE QUEEN'S MAJESTY
(JUNE 22, 1897)
Name that has been thy nation's shield
On many an alien shore and sea;
Name that in many a fateful field
Has taught the stubborn foe to flee;
Promise and proof of virtues three,
Valour unvaunting, vigour, verve,
We hail thy white-winged Sovereignty,
Victoria! Whom God Preserve!
On many an alien shore and sea;
Name that in many a fateful field
Has taught the stubborn foe to flee;
Promise and proof of virtues three,
Valour unvaunting, vigour, verve,
We hail thy white-winged Sovereignty,
Victoria! Whom God Preserve!
Monarchs there are to whom men yield
Obeisance—in a bondman's key;
Monarchs whose sceptred might doth wield
Only the rod of Tyranny;
We, in free homage, being free,—
We joy that naught can shake or curve
Thy rectitude of Royalty,
Victoria! Whom God Preserve!
Obeisance—in a bondman's key;
Monarchs whose sceptred might doth wield
Only the rod of Tyranny;
We, in free homage, being free,—
We joy that naught can shake or curve
Thy rectitude of Royalty,
Victoria! Whom God Preserve!
Therefore from all our towers be pealed
The note of greeting; therefore be,
As from a thousand springs unsealed,
Outpoured the tide of mirth and glee;
For surely not to-day shall we
From sixty years' allegiance swerve,
Or shame thy twice-told Jubilee,
Victoria! Whom God Preserve!
The note of greeting; therefore be,
As from a thousand springs unsealed,
Outpoured the tide of mirth and glee;
633
From sixty years' allegiance swerve,
Or shame thy twice-told Jubilee,
Victoria! Whom God Preserve!
Envoy.
Queen!—to whom true men bend the knee,Our island heart and brain and nerve
Are loyal—loyal unto thee,
Victoria! Whom God Preserve!
1897.
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