Page:Hemans in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine 36 1834.pdf/4



How bravely and how solemnly They stand, 'midst oak and yew! Whence Cressy's yeomen haply framed The bow, in battle true.

And round their walls the good swords hang Whose faith knew no alloy, And shields of knighthood, pure from stain— Gaze on, my English Boy!

Gaze where the hamlet's ivied church Gleams by the antique elm, Or where the minster lifts the cross High thro' the air's blue realm.

Martyrs have shower'd their free hearts' blood, That England's prayer might rise, From those grey fanes of thoughtful years, Unfetter'd, to the skies.

Along their aisles, beneath their trees, This earth's most glorious dust, Once fired with valour, wisdom, song, Is laid in holy trust.

Gaze on—gaze farther, farther yet— My gallant English Boy! Yon blue sea bears thy country's flag, The billows' pride and joy!

Those waves in many a fight have closed Above her faithful dead; That red-cross flag victoriously Hath floated o'er their bed.

They perish'd—this green turf to keep By hostile tread unstain'd; These knightly halls inviolate, Those churches unprofaned.

And high and clear, their memory's light Along our shore is set, And many an answering beacon-fire Shall there be kindled yet!

Lift up thy heart, my English Boy! And pray, like them to stand, Should God so summon thee, to guard The altars of the land.