Page:Alexandrina Victoria - 18th Birthday Tribute.pdf/9



The present looks on thee with eyes Of love, and joy, and enterprise; They shine as shines a rising star, That lights the unknown and the far. To prophesy the future, cast A glance upon thy country's past. How has our England changed since first The Roman Cæsar on her burst: And something lingers with us still Of their indomitable will. Like theirs, our banners when unfurl'd Have swept o'er half a conquer'd world. No stranger power hath sought our coast, But to bequeath their proudest boast. Hengist and Horsa, Saxon kings, On their proud galley's sweeping wings: Lords of the banner and the breeze, Gave us our empire o'er the seas;