Classic Poem

I ALSO , though with hauntings of remorse,
Railed at our England, bidding her give heed
To better counsellors than the guides who lead
Power unbeloved, on yonder cold, proud course!
Yet … when I look abroad, and track the source,
More selfish far, of other nations' deed,
And mark their tortuous craft, their jealous greed,
Their serpent-wisdom or mere soulless force,
Homeward returns my vagrant fealty,
Crying: “O England, shouldst thou one day fall,
Shatter'd in ruins by some Titan foe,
Justice were thenceforth weaker throughout all
The earth, and Truth less passionately free,
And God the poorer for thine overthrow.”