Rosemary and Pansies/December 31, 1900

by Bertram Dobell

DECEMBER 31, 1900

The century that began with blood and tears,
⁠'Mid blood and tears and vague unrest goes out
Is it towards the rocks the good ship steers?
⁠Men ask each other with a troubled doubt.
Is Britain's star declining in the sky.
⁠By younger rivals driven from her sphere?
Are we among the nations doomed to die?
⁠Must we the fate of Rome and Venice fear?

Let the new century answer; and meanwhile
⁠Let us resolve that, be it as it may,
Ere foemen can shout Victory! o'er our isle,
⁠They too shall fall death-stricken in the fray:
If Britain falls she falleth Samson-like,
And ere she fall a mortal blow shall strike.