Tristram of Lyonesse and Other Poems

XV.

The Tribe of Benjamin

Algernon Charles Swinburne


SONS born of many a loyal Muse to Ben,
    All true-begotten, warm with wine or ale,
    Bright from the broad light of his presence, hail!
Prince Randolph, nighest his throne of all his men,
Being highest in spirit and heart who hailed him then
    King, nor might other spread so blithe a sail:
    Cartwright, a soul pent in with narrower pale,
Praised of thy sire for manful might of pen:
Marmion, whose verse keeps alway keen and fine
The perfume of their Apollonian wine
    Who shared with that stout sire of all and thee
The exuberant chalice of his echoing shrine:
    Is not your praise writ broad in gold which he
    Inscribed, that all who praise his name should see?


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