Page:Women of distinction.djvu/280

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WOMEN OF DISTINCTION.

In closing this sketch we feel that it is fitting to give our readers the poem which she composed in honor of Queen Victorians seventieth birthday and which was pub- lished in the Musical Messenger:

DEDICATED TO HER GRACIOUS MAJESTY, QUEEN VICTORIA, OF ENGLAND.

Reign on! most glorious Queen!
And let thy sceptre sway.
Till Ireland's people are redeemed,
Their darkness turned to day.

Reign on! till right shall rule.
And wrong shall buried be.
Reign on! most generous, noble soul!
The world needs such as thee.

Reign on! ne'er let thy power
Be ever rent in twain.
Thy life so noble, good and pure,
Be tarnished with one stain.

Reign on! for God doth guide
Thy sovereigns at His will.
And He who stills the raging tide
Will bid thy foes be still.

Reign on! unequaled Queen,
Till man to man is free.
Till not one shackle shall be seen.
And nowhere slaves shall be.

Reign on! reign ever on!
Not in this world alone,
But may thy pure and holy life
Be echoed at God's throne.

Reign on! till Heaven is gained,
And thou with the redeemed
Shall there receive the victor's crown,
Most noble, glorious Queen!