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The Spike or Victoria University College Review 1933

[untitled poem]

page 25

Wherein lies Britain's greatness? Is it not
That, seeking good, she hath herself forgot?
In serving mankind, leavened half the world
With Justice, and her flag unfurled
In earth's remotest corners, there the name
And lineage of freedom to proclaim?
From out her sea-girt island in the north,
In years gone by her sons went boldly forth,
Spurred by adventure and their pressing need,
To seek new homes afar. These were the seed
Of empire, by the winds and waters sown;
The acorn whence a mighty oak hath grown.
Beneath the erstwhile acorn's spreading shade
Nestle the homes that human hands have made,
And human hearts. The sanctuary is there
Of purity and peace: the wholesome fear
Of the Almighty: His abiding love.

What tho' your fame is tarnished, men of old,
By some who had not truth before their eyes
But laid their grasping fingers on the prize
Of power, bent to their selfish ends?
Surely your steadfast faith will make amends,
Ye for whom liberty is more than gold.

What moribund philosophers are these
That, sunk in selfishness and ease,
Bend not their backs to weariness and toil
To purge their country and retrieve their soil?
Or think they that, life's tenure being dear,
They can enhance its honour by the fear
Of facing issues? ....

Steadfast are they who shape their ways as men,
Humble of spirit, yet withal supplied
And tempered with the seal of manly pride.
They think it no dishonour to uphold
The statutes of their land; they have not sold
Their people's honour, nor withheld respect
Where it is due; yet not as some elect
To serve: alone they have contended,
Yet not alone, but in the strength of God.

Britain! a mighty trust resides in thee
Labour to serve the dear humanity,
Free men from servitude and keep them free
In full access of fellowship to live.

—G.