Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


LORD ROBERTS by CHARLES WILLIAM BRODRIBB

First Line: NESTOR OF HAPPY WARRIORS, BLEST WAS HE
Last Line: SHALL COME HEREAFTER FOR COMPARISON.
Subject(s): DEATH; HEAVEN; MEMORY; ROBERTS, FREDERICK SLEIGH (1832-1914); SOLDIERS; TYRANNY & TYRANTS; DEAD, THE; PARADISE; DICTATORS;

Nestor of Happy Warriors, blest was he
In death as in life's opportunity.
Commander foremost to the very last,
No foe but age o'ercame him, and the blast;
Nor these before in one brief Pisgah view
His eyes had seen what those he taught could do.
Homeward contented he had ta'en his way,
Had Heaven so willed it and prolonged his day;
But (since Heaven willed it) as content to die
He saw his life's work grandly fructify:
England and India, every difference gone,
In thought, in aim, in action, both as one.
England and India, whom he served so long,
Receive his blessing, be together strong!
England and India mourn him! Nobler none
Shall come hereafter for comparison.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net