Page:Poems, Volume 2, Coates, 1916.djvu/229



ARKEN, heroic England! Know how near

To thy life-citadel the foe has drawn!

Abjure complacent counsels; learn to fear;

For Might that wars 'gainst all thou holdest dear,

Unstayed, is marching on!

Thou, patient ever, be deceived no more:

Part with delusive dreams that make less strong!

Behold how bold (a ruthless conqueror),

By night and day comes nearer to thy door

Intolerable Wrong!

Call upon all thy strength—not later, now!—

Now while the world waits breathless for thy deed,

That it eternally may disavow

The faith that "Might makes Right," nor bow

To Savagery's brute creed!

Brave in defence of honor and the word

Which, given freely, binds and maketh free.