As when the shadow of the sun's eclipse Sweeps on the earth, and spreads a spectral air, As if the universe were dying there, On continent and isle the darkness dips, Unwonted gloom, and on the Atlantic slips; So in the night the Belgian cities flare Horizon-wide; the wandering people fare Along the roads, and load the fleeing ships. And westward borne that planetary sweep, Darkening o'er England and her times to be, Already steps upon the ocean-deep! Watch well, my country, that unearthly sea, Lest when thou thinkest not, and in thy sleep, Unapt for war, that gloom enshadow thee! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ON A FLOWER FROM THE FIELD OF GRUTLI by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS FROM THE ANTIQUE (2) by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI HARVARD DECLARES WAR by BRENT DOW ALLINSON LOVE POSTPONED by RUTH FITCH BARTLETT AN EVENING HYMN by JOSEPH BEAUMONT |