Volume Ii Part 29 (2/2)

He in one tongue, in another, Alien, I; one blood, yet twain.

XII

Old Aneurin! droop no longer.

That squat ocean-sc.u.m, we own, Had fine stoutness, made us stronger, Brought us much-required backbone: Claimed of Power their dues, and granted Dues to Power in turn, when rose Mightier rovers; they that planted Sovereign here the Norman nose.

XIII

Glorious men, with heads of eagles, Chopping arms, and cupboard lips; Warriors, hunters, keen as beagles, Mounted aye on horse or s.h.i.+ps.

Active, being hungry creatures; Silent, having nought to say: High they raised the lord of features, Saxon-wors.h.i.+pped to this day.

XIV

Hear its deeds, the great recital!

Stout as bergs of Arctic ice Once it led, and lived; a t.i.tle Now it is, and names its price.

This our Saxon brothers cherish: This, when by the worth of wits Lands are reared aloft, or perish, Sole illumes their lucre-pits.

XV

Know we not our wrongs, unwritten Though they be, Aneurin? Sword, Song, and subtle mind, the Briton Brings to market, all ignored.

'Gainst the Saxon's bone impinging, Still is our G.o.dodin played; Shamed we see him humbly cringing In a shadowy nose's shade.

XVI

Bitter is the weight that crushes Low, my Bard, thy race of fire.

Here no fair young future blushes Bridal to a man's desire.

Neither chief, nor aim, nor splendour Dressing distance, we perceive.

Neither honour, nor the tender Bloom of promise, morn or eve.

XVII

Joined we are; a tide of races Rolled to meet a common fate; England clasps in her embraces Many: what is England's state?

England her distended middle Thumps with pride as Mammon's wife; Says that thus she reads thy riddle, Heaven! 'tis heaven to plump her life.

XVIII

O my Bard! a yellow liquor, Like to that we drank of old - Gold is her metheglin beaker, She destruction drinks in gold.

Warn her, Bard, that Power is pressing Hotly for his dues this hour; Tell her that no drunken blessing Stops the onward march of Power.

XIX

Has she ears to take forewarnings She will cleanse her of her stains, Feed and speed for braver mornings Valorously the growth of brains.

Power, the hard man knit for action, Reads each nation on the brow.

Cripple, fool, and petrifaction Fall to him--are falling now!

MEN AND MAN

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