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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
NATIONALITY, by JOHN KELLS INGRAM Poet's Biography First Line: Each nation master at its own fireside | |||
Each nation master at its own fireside O ENGLAND, thou hast many a precious dower; The claim is just, and so one day ' twill be; But of all treasures it is thine to claim , But a wise race the time of fruit will bide, Prize most the memory of each sainted name, Nor pluck th' unripen'd apple from the tree. That in thy realm, in field or hall or bower Hath wrought high deeds or utter'd words of power Unselfish warrior, without fear or blame Statesman, with sleepless watch and steadfast aim Holding his country's helm in perilous hour Poet, whose heart is with us to this day Embalm'd in song-or Priest, who by the ark Of faith stood firm in troublous times and dark. Call them not dead, my England! such as they Not were but are; within us each survives, And lives an endless life in others' lives. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest... |
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