Classic Poem

Time through the patient centuries struggled hard
And moulded many an English face divine
And set song's sunlight round each for a sign
And brought to Beauty's feet full many a bard.
Time moulded the supreme charm evil-starred
Of Mary, and Time wove the golden shine
Of countless tresses, and prolonged the line
Of English beauty, keeping patient guard
Over the English type through year on year:—
But now Time's work is over and complete
For, sweetheart, thou, the crown of all, art here.
Now the whole past of history giveth ear:
The English ages bend before thy feet:
The English white-browed chainless waves revere.