Victoria Regina
(June 21st, 1897*) A thousand years by sea and land Our race hath served the island kings, But not by custom's dull command To-day with song her Empire rings: Not all the glories of her birth, Her armed renown and ancient throne, Could make her less the child of earth Or give her hopes beyond our own: But stayed on faith more sternly proved And pride than ours more pure and deep, She loves the land our fathers loved And keeps the fame our sons shall keep.
* These lines, with music by Dr. Lloyd, formed part of the Cycle of Song offered to Queen Victoria, of blessed and glorious memory, in celebration of her second Jubilee.
Henry Newbolt’s other poems:
