εὖ μὴν ᾖ τιμὴν ἐδἒδου νικηφόρος ἀλκὴ ἐκ νίκης ὄνομ’ ἔσχε φόβου κέαρ αἰὲν ἅθικτος. |
A YEAR ago red wrath and keen despair Spake, and the sole word from their darkness sent Laid low the lord not all omnipotent Who stood most like a god of all that were As gods for pride of power, till fire and air Made earth of all his godhead. Lightning rent The heart of empire’s lurid firmament, And laid the mortal core of manhood bare. But when the calm crowned head that all revere For valour higher than that which casts out fear, Since fear came near it never, comes near death, Blind murder cowers before it, knowing that here No braver soul drew bright and queenly breath Since England wept upon Elizabeth. March 8, 1882. |