THE RELIEF OF LADYSMITH
In deep suspense we waited, fear with hope
Contending and commingling in our souls,
Striving in vain to read fate's horoscope,
Or weigh the forces which the event controls:
More and more sombre grew our spirits, while
Defeat with grim persistence dogged our arms,
And we, so apt in danger's face to smile,
Were shaken by a thousand false alarms.
Could it be true? Had fate at last relented,
And crowned once more our efforts with success?
Thus warring passions in our minds fermented,
Till full assurance came to calm and bless.
Once more we breathe! Our arm is mighty yet—
Not now shall Britain's sun in darkness set!
Contending and commingling in our souls,
Striving in vain to read fate's horoscope,
Or weigh the forces which the event controls:
More and more sombre grew our spirits, while
Defeat with grim persistence dogged our arms,
And we, so apt in danger's face to smile,
Were shaken by a thousand false alarms.
Could it be true? Had fate at last relented,
And crowned once more our efforts with success?
Thus warring passions in our minds fermented,
Till full assurance came to calm and bless.
Once more we breathe! Our arm is mighty yet—
Not now shall Britain's sun in darkness set!