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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


VICTORIA by WILLIAM STEWARD GORDON

First Line: O ROCK-RIBBED CITY OF THE WESTERN SEA
Last Line: "GUARD WELL ""BRITANNIA'S FAR-FLUNG BATTLE LINE!"
Subject(s): TRAIL OF TEARS (1838-39); WEST (U.S.); NATIVE AMERICANS - REMOVAL; SOUTHWEST; PACIFIC STATES;

O rock-ribbed city of the western sea,
Who could not tune his lyre in song for thee?

With solemn castles gazing out across the sea,
With grand Olympics smiling back at thee,

You float in Nipon's soft salubrious breeze,
A tropic island in the northern seas,

A full-blown rose of old Victorian days,
And loath to leave your cherished mother's ways.

Enriched with all the century can give,
You still take time to think and feel and live.

As a ripple in a treasure-laden stream
Gathers the gold-dust born through shade and gleam,

So thou hast sifted well the flowing tide
Of ruthless Western wealth and Eastern pride.

Upon the "Lion's" mane you safely cling
Nor fear the rustle of the "Eagle's" wing.

O portal fair to Yukon's oil and gold,
Prize well the envied vantage ground you hold!

O seagirt goddess rich in mead and mine,
Guard well "Britannia's far-flung battle line!"



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