HER reign: the greatest that this realm hath seen, Whether we count by years or by achievement. Her loss: shall we not keep it meetly green With tears of sad bereavement? God gave, of his fair gifts to this fair Isle, A virgin Queen, proud and invincible, And for her guide—a Prince, to reconcile Her heart to Queenly Rule. Of their pure love—a noble progeny, O Sovereign Monarch, blest all Queens above! Three generations on that royal knee Have claim'd a Mother's love. And if, too early in her life was known, The Sorrow that alone makes desolate, She stood as one whom ages shall enthrone As ruler of her fate. To God she bow'd: and from His Hand she took The grievous chastisement of later years. Her faith in His Great Purpose never shook 'Mid shattering hopes and fears. And now she waits the Angel of His Peace With happy eyes turn'd toward a happier morn. Oh, never Soul long'd more for its release Than hers, so bravely borne! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IN THE RANGITAKI VALLEY by KATHERINE MANSFIELD ALMANACH DU PRINTEMPS VIVAROIS by HAYDEN CARRUTH NAMING FOR LOVE by HAYDEN CARRUTH EVENTIDE by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE by EMMA LAZARUS THE BOSTON ATHENAEUM by AMY LOWELL |