X.

The Chastener’s hand is on us—we may weep,

But not repine—for many a storm hath pass’d,

And, pillow’d on her own majestic deep,

Hath England slept, unshaken by the blast!

And War hath raged o’er many a distant plain,

Trampling the vine and olive in his path;

While she, that regal daughter of the main,

Smiled in serene defiance of his wrath!

As some proud summit, mingling with the sky,

Hears calmly far below the thunders roll and die.