Page:A Treasury of South African Poetry.djvu/252

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226
J. G.

While all the storied Past's resplendent night,
'Mid thrilling echoes of the world's acclaim,
Glows with the starry wonder of her fame.

Such heritage is ours,
A royal lineage, a knightly trust,
A world-enthralling name:
She that so richly dowers
Her children, bids them but be just
And true and steadfast to the parent's fame,
Keeping enshrined, whatever chance betide,
Old England's glory in her children's pride.

Prize we that golden life,
The woven web of splendid memories,
The legend glory-lit;
In deeds of valiant strife,
In amplest fruit of highest enterprise,
In heaven-blest energies the word is writ;
For worthy sons who guard her high renown
Full worthy she to wear the Imperial crown.

J. G.