To-day across the land
Is no mere pall of ceremonial grief.
'Tis hard in truth, though reverent belief
Bows to the chastening hand.
Hard—for his parents, that young bride, and you,
Bearer of much bereavement, woman true,
And patriotic QUEEN!
We hear the courage striking through the pain,
As always in your long, illustrious reign,
Which shrinking ne'er hath seen,—