There's a Legion that never was ’listed,That carries no colours or crest,But, split in a thousand detachments,Is breaking the road for the rest.Our fathers they left us their blessing—They taught us, and groomed us, and crammed;But we’ve shaken the Clubs and the MessesTo go and find out and be damned(Dear boys!),To go and get shot … Continue reading Poem – “The Lost Legion”
Poetry
Poem – “Hymn”
At morn — at noon — at twilight dim —Maria! thou hast heard my hymn!In joy and wo — in good and ill —Mother of God, be with me still!When the Hours flew brightly by,And not a cloud obscured the sky,My soul, lest it should truant be,Thy grace did guide to thine and thee;Now, when storms … Continue reading Poem – “Hymn”
Poem – “Yarrow Visited”
And is this—Yarrow?—This the streamOf which my fancy cherished,So faithfully, a waking dream?An image that hath perished!O that some Minstrel's harp were near,To utter notes of gladness,And chase this silence from the air,That fills my heart with sadness! Yet why?—a silvery current flowsWith uncontrolled meanderings;Nor have these eyes by greener hillsBeen soothed, in all my wanderings.And, … Continue reading Poem – “Yarrow Visited”
Poem – “Marius Amongst the Ruins of Carthage”
Twas noon—and Afric's dazzling sun on high,With fierce resplendence fill'd th' unclouded sky;No zephyr wav'd the palm's majestic head,And smooth alike the seas and deserts spread;While, desolate, beneath a blaze of light,Silent and lonely, as at dead of night,The wreck of Carthage lay—her prostrate FanesHad strew'd their precious marble o'er the plains;Dark weeds and grass … Continue reading Poem – “Marius Amongst the Ruins of Carthage”
Poem – “The Sword of Robert Lee”
Forth from its scabbard, pure and bright, Flashed the sword of Lee!Far in the front of the deadly fight,High o'er the brave in the cause of RightIts stainless sheen, like a beacon light, Led us to Victory! Out of its scabbard, where, full long, It slumbered peacefully,Roused from its rest by the battle's song,Shielding the feeble, smiting the … Continue reading Poem – “The Sword of Robert Lee”
Poem – “Some One”
Some one came knockingAt my wee, small door;Some one came knocking,I’m sure—sure—sure;I listened, I opened,I looked to left and right,But nought there was a-stirringIn the still dark night;Only the busy beetleTap-tapping on the wall,Only from the forestThe screech-owl’s call,Only the cricket whistlingWhile the dewdrops fall,So I know not who came knocking, At all, at all, … Continue reading Poem – “Some One”
Poem – “October”
Mellow-faced, with eyes of faery, wistful clad in tinted leaves,See the brown October tarry by the golden rows of sheaves;Oak & acorn in his garland, fruit & wineskin in his hands,Mystic pilgrim from a far land down the road to farther lands. Softly treading, gently breathing, casting spells on wood & wold,Vines with purple clusters … Continue reading Poem – “October”
Poem – “The Light of Stars”
The night is come, but not too soon; And sinking silently,All silently, the little moon Drops down behind the sky. There is no light in earth or heaven But the cold light of stars;And the first watch of night is given To the red planet Mars. Is it the tender star of love? The star of love and dreams?O no! … Continue reading Poem – “The Light of Stars”
Poem – ‘Ave Imperatrix’
(Written on the occasion of the attempt to assassinate Queen Victoria in March 1882) From every quarter of your landThey give God thanks who turned awayDeath and the needy madman’s hand,Death-fraught, which menaced you that day. One school of many made to makeMen who shall hold it dearest rightTo battle for their ruler’s sake,And stake … Continue reading Poem – ‘Ave Imperatrix’
Poem – “Drinking Song from the Tomb”
Come hither my lads with your tankards of ale,And drink to the present before life should failPile each on your platter a mountain of beef,Cos it's eating and drinking what brings us reliefSo fill up your glass, for life will soon pass,When you're dead you'll ne'er drink to your king nor your lass,Anacreon had a … Continue reading Poem – “Drinking Song from the Tomb”
Serpent's Den 