Page:Pleasant Memories of Pleasant Lands.djvu/324

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

VICTORIA. 299

And yet she spoke it not ; But rose, and, leaning on her consort s arm, Passed forth. And as the gorgeous car of state, By noble coursers borne exultingly, Drew near, the people s acclamations rose Loud, and reechoed widely to the sky. Long may their loyalty and love be thine, Daughter of many kings, and thou the rights Of peasant as of prince maintain, and heed The cry of lowly poverty, as one Who must account to God.

So unto Him,

From many a quiet fireside of thy realm At the still hour of prayer, thy name shall rise, Blent with that name which thou didst leave unsaid ; And blessings, which shall last, when sceptres fall, And crowns are dust, be tenderly invoked On the young sovereign and her cradled child.

�� �