WHILST we debate upon their overthrow, We would do well to weigh that fateful hour When the Arch-Raider, covetous of power, Struck, for self-gain, the first insensate blow. To that fell act a thousand ills we owe, Suspicion of our purpose, deadly stour Of hate, revenge—a sweet and deathless dower. Our Justice lagg'd, England's good faith lay low! What tho' corruption lurk'd within the State, What tho' the Boer Executive delay'd, Time would have brought some less disastrous aid; For Right must triumph, tho' the Wrong be great. Then England, O my Country, fear no fall, But do thou justice first and last of all! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ON BEING ASKED TO WRITE A POEM AGAINST THE WAR IN VIETNAM by HAYDEN CARRUTH A WINTER'S NIGHT by ROBERT FROST IN A SWEDISH GRAVEYARD by EMMA LAZARUS A HYMN OF HATE by DOROTHY PARKER FIRST FRUIT by ISAAC ROSENBERG |