The Englishman and Other Poems
Monarchs as by fire. All rulers must be more than just—  Men starve on bread alone. Old England’s sense of right is great:  But now let her aspire To feel more love, and build thereof An everlasting Throne.

The dreaming East, awake at last, Is asking ‘when’ and ‘why’; Wait not too long nor answer wrong, Nor in too stern a voice. Let England profit by her past, And with her wise reply Rouse hearts, within her foster kin To hope, and to rejoice.

p. 9True wealth dwells not in things we own, But in our use of things. Who would command a conquered land Must conquer first its heart. Such might as Man has never known, And power undreamed by kings, And boundless strength would come at length To one who used that art.

p. 9

For now has dawned the People’s day:  A day of great unrest. Nor king nor creed can still man’s need Of time and space to grow. All lands must shape a wider way, For this eternal quest; And Leisure yield a larger field Where work-worn feet may go.

The Universe is all a-thrill With changes imminent. The World in faith, with bated breath, Holds free the Leader’s place. And wise is he whose heart and will At one with Time’s intent, Shall open wide doors long denied To mothers of the race.

p. 10On this round globe, oh, when and where Were fitter time and scene For Woman’s soul to reach its goal Than now in England’s realm. Was not the crown its King will wear Made glorious by its Queen? And who steered straight its ship of State? Victoria at the Helm!

p. 10

Kings have been kings by accident, By favour and by force, But right of birth and moral worth, And Empires rich and broad For England’s King to-day are blent Like rivers on one course. But, ah! the light falls searching white Down from the Throne of God.

Lord of the Earth and heavenly-spheres, Creator of all things, Thou who hast wrought great worlds from naught, Give strength to England’s son. Give courage to dispel those fears That come to even kings, And for his creed give Love’s full mead; Amen. Thy Will be done.

p. 11TWO VOICES

p. 11

VIRTUE


 Prev. P 12/41 next 
Back Top
Privacy Statement Terms of Service Contact