Australian and Other Poems/To ⸻, with the "Lusiad" of Camoens
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TO ———, WITH THE "LUSIAD" OF CAMOENS.
An oak for ages gathered strength, and spread
Its shading foliage o'er the verdant lawn;
An eagle, from high air, admiring drawn,
Down stooped, and from the tree's cloud-kissing head
A bramble, with ripe acorns laden, bore.
Centuries rolled, and its best honours shorn,
That tree fast fades. The acorns, far off borne,
Budding ascend on earth's remotest shore.
Thus Lusitania's fame, by Camoens sung—
Each rich possession and fair province gone—
Shall live, and springing soar. Still later on
Should Lusitania's self—that arm unstrung
Which served a mighty soul—sink a dead state.
Her story, by her bard diffused, shall rise elate.