AMERICA AND BRITAIN. [To THE EDITOR OP THE " SFEDTArott."1
Sia,—It might interest your English and American readers to be reminded of the poem written by the American poet, G. H. Boker, during the time of the Crimean War. It is addressed to England, and is included in "American Songs and Lyrics," published by George Routledg,e and Sons. I quote the second and concluding verse :— "Stand! thou groat bulwark of man's liberty Thou rock of shelter rising from the wave, Sole refuge to the overwearied bravo Who planned, arose, and battled to be free,
Fell, undeterred, then sadly turned to thee,—
Saved the free spirit from their country's grave, To rise again and animate the slave, When God shall ripen all things. Britons, ye Who guard the sacred outpost, not in vain Hold your proud peril Freemen undefiled, Keep watch and ward! Let battlements be piled Around your cliffs; fleets marshalled, till the main Sink under them ; and if your courage wane, Through force or fraud, look westward to your child !"
Bled, Sheringham, Norfolk. .
Previous page
