Page:Poems and ballads, third series (IA poemsballadsthir00swin).pdf/27

xviii.

Though time discrown and change dismantle

The pride of thrones and towers that frown,
How should they bring her glories down—
The sea cast round her like a mantle,
The sea-cloud like a crown?

xix.

The sea, divine as heaven and deathless,

Is hers, and none but only she
Hath learnt the sea's word, none but we
Her children hear in heart the breathless
Bright watchword of the sea.

xx.

Heard not of others, or misheard

Of many a land for many a year,
The watchword Freedom fails not here
Of hearts that witness if the word
Find faith in England's ear.