Mother and daughters now may journey forth
Comrades in arms, along that better way
That comes with Peace, and things of nobler worth,
And brings the dawning of a brighter day.
Perchance in days gone by, we thought you cold—
You may have thought us childish still, and weak—
But now we know; we know your heart of Gold;
We know the things you felt and could not speak.
And you, mayhap, have learned a little too,
Of eager youth, impetuous to aid,
Impatient of delay, and quick to do,
Too young, too ignorant, to be afraid.
O little Mother of the Island Race!
O Mother-Mistress of the distant seas!
We heard your call, and proudly take our place
Now by your side, no longer at your knees!
OUTPOST
OVER the edge of hills the sunset burned;
The silent ageless mountains stood around;
And where the flashing mountain streamlet turned,
A watch of armèd men held vantage ground.
Outpost of England's might—a little band
War hardened, grim and fierce in fight;
Outpost to hold in awe a hostile land,
Guarding a border from a nation's might.
Up the long slope there swept a dusky host
That broke across the patch of meadow land;
A weary sentry called—the little post
Started from sleep: rang out a sharp command.
Then on them broke the flash and thunder stroke—
A thousand sabres in a thousand hands—
The little islet trembled—never broke,
At all the shock of all a thousand brands.
The rifles snapped and chattered in the dark;
Yard long sprang flames with every bullet sped;
36
