TO THE QUEEN. REVERED, beloved,-O you that hold Than arms, or power of brain, or birth, Victoria, since your Royal grace This laurel greener from the brows And should your greatness, and the care Then-while a sweeter music wakes, Take, Madam, this poor book of song; And leave us rulers of your blood May children of our children say, "Her court was pure; her life serene; "And statesmen at her council met By shaping some august decree, Which kept her throne unshaken still, Broad-based upon her people's will, And compassed by the inviolate sea." MARCH, 1851. |