Page:The Bengali Book of English Verse.djvu/137

 MANMOHAN GHOSE, 1869-

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Muse, who art quick to fire At the least noble thing, And frankest praise to bring Upon the quivering lyre, Why art thou slow to sing Now when the world beclouds With battle, such as shrouds Earth in a mist of tears? For want of heart belike, While thunder sings afar And even the bravest fears. Seek'st thou a theme for song No fears can ever wrong, No tears can tarnish? Strike And sing Britannia.

2 Britannia the fair, Whom oceans girdle round, With hill and valley crowned, And purest wash of air From her Atlantic bound. What heaths so fresh as hers With blossom? and how stirs The soft wind in her pines. Earth's fairest isle, 'tis said, Where all things lovely are. 105