Mine and Thine (1904)/My Country

by Florence Earle Coates

For works with similar titles, see My Country.

MY COUNTRY

Belovèd thou hast triumphed everywhere!
Thou hast outgrown, men say, that selfless Right
Which bade thee for the weak expend thy might;
And as a giant strong, dost claim thy share
Of earth's rich conquest, and will naught forbear.
I listen, and behold, with grievèd sight,
Upon thy beauteous brow a baleful light,
And something sinister, new-written there.

O my belovèd! art thou changed, indeed?
Remembering thy birth and peerless dower,
Canst thou thine altars to Compassion find?
Ah, woe if thou deface them! set to feed
The unappeasèd lust of wealth and power
That leagues with the oppressors of mankind!