Part 1 / Book 4 / Act 1 — AT GIBRALTAR.
Reading edition
I.
England, I stand on thy imperial ground Not all a stranger; as thy bugles blow, I feel within my blood old battles flow,— The blood whose ancient founts are in thee found Still surging dark against the Christian bound While Islam presses; well its peoples know Thy heights that watch them wandering below: I think how Lucknow heard their gathering sound.
I turn and meet the cruel, turbaned face. England! 'tis sweet to be so much thy son! I feel the conqueror in my blood and race; Last night Trafalgar awed me, and to-day Gibraltar wakened; hark, thy evening gun Startles the desert over Africa.
II.
Thou art the rock of empire set mid-seas Between the East and West, that God has built; Advance thy Roman borders where thou wilt, While run thy armies true with his decrees; Law, justice, liberty,—great gifts are these. Watch that they spread where English blood is spilt, Lest, mixed and sullied with his country's guilt The soldier's life-stream flow, and Heaven displease!
Two swords there are: one naked, apt to smite, Thy blade of war; and, battle-storied, one Rejoices in the sheath, and hides from light. American I am; would wars were done! Now westward, look, my country bids good night,— Peace to the world, from ports without a gun!
GEORGE EDWARD WOODBERRY.
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