Page:Poems Curwen.djvu/138

---

Launch of H.M.S. "Powerful."

july 1895.

O, Thou! Divine, Almighty Power,
 Behold this great Leviathan,
 Wrought by the patient skill of man,
And brought to this momentous hour.
Behold the hearts of men, that beat
 Alternately with hope and fear,
 And in the trial, crucial, be near,
Then shall their victory be complete.

Behold the eager, waiting crowds,
 So patient 'neath the falling rain,
 And bid the sun shine forth again,
And chase away the sullen clouds,
That we may see the smiling skies,
 And take as omen of success
 That Thou Thyself, dost mean to bless
Our latest, greatest enterprise.

The fateful moment draweth nigh
 All eyes intent on watching her.
 Is that a signal? Does she stir?
Yes! yes! A great exultant cry
Breaks forth upon the silent air;
 She moves, and with imperious sweep
 Glides onward to the waiting deep
In haste to prove a conqueror.

The whistles blow, while cheers arise,
 The sun with smiling face appears
 To banish clouds as well as fears,
For heaven has heard and answered prayers,
And filled our cup unto the full.
 Oh, may it be an augury
 That Briton's sons shall ever be
All-powerful, all-powerful!