TO OUR POLAR EXPLORERS.

Now, welcome home, ye valiant band, By science lured to roam, Thrice welcome to your native land, To Britain's hearth and home; For ye have conquered many a foe, And vanquished many a fear, Since in your country's name ye sailed So bravely forth last year.

Then many a fervent "Good speed ye" Was wafted from the land, That blent with blessings from the ships, For those left on the strand. Hope streaming through each hot tear formed Rainbows of promise sweet, To comfort each lone sundered heart, Till blest again to meet.

But eighteen months have passed away Since those farewells were breathed, And ye've accomplished what was wished Without a sword unsheathed. And with her royal chaplets light Of honour and renown, Your brows of manly fortitude Britain delights to crown.

Ye've had the courage, nerve, and skill, To do, and bravely dare, That which none other save yourselves Have had the joy to share. In penetrating furthest yet, Into that region lone, Where grim uncompromising ice Girdles the Polar Zone.

"The sea of ancient ice," henceforth Inscribed on the world's chart, Though never of that world to be A sympathetic part; Since mighty floating fortresses, With adamantine towers, Form everlasting barriers grim, That mock man's feebler powers.

Heroic Nares! Commander bold Of the well-ordered band, Accept with thy intrepid crews, Thanks from thy native land, For having with determined zeal, Reached a much longed-for goal, And solved the mystery that veiled The regions of the Pole.

Thus proving inacessible The ice-ribbed polar sea, Ye've earned your laurels valiantly, Still it is well that we Join ye in rendering fervent thanks, To the Supreme above, For safe return in joyous health, To country, home and love.