Poems (Coates 1916)/Volume II/Henry James

by Florence Earle Coates

HENRY JAMES

YOU were not of one country. To one Race,
Rather, you gave your spirit's full devotion.
Careless a little as to bounds of space
Set by dividing hill or severing ocean,
An exiled patriot, wherever dwelling,
An alien on either side the sea,
You gave your loyalty, through love's compelling,
To English speech and English liberty.

We claim you—both, drawn closer through your coming,
England and she that nursed you at her breast.
Beauty you loved, and ne'er from truth went roaming,
Through all the long desire, the ardent quest.
Ah, never quite at home, but ever homing,
Passionate pilgrim, you have found your rest!