Though fair the walls that gird me round,

For far my foolish heart would be,

It longs for the unquiet sea,

From happier things that haunt me so,

Even my weary thoughts are slow

Those cruel hill-tops there beyond.

Oh—for the wizard Merlin's wand!

Might hear the roaring of the tide,

Might see the ocean, reaching wide

Quick throbbing to its love's caress,

Would yield to me more happiness

[18]

[18]

SEVERUS SPEAKS

SEVERUS SPEAKS

 "For nearly eighteen years upon my head The crown of Empire heavily has set. The burden on my shoulders I have borne Of an estate encumbered far and wide With debts I had to pay. Ah! everywhere Murmurs, revolts, or wars assailed my throne. Now quiet comes—even in Britain here, The most disturbing Province of them all. Yet I must go, the profits I must leave To others to enjoy—to hold with ease What I with bitter travail have obtained. Peace there must be, and mutual amity, The one support to hold the Empire firm, To keep the Glory of the Empire bright. Discord would be the ruin of the pile, That my poor hands have built so painfully. Only when Peace prevails may we behold How small things 

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