Poems: New and Old (Newbolt)/Waggon Hill
Waggon Hill
Drake in the North Sea grimly prowling,Treading his dear Revenge's deck,Watched, with the sea-dogs round him growling,Galleons drifting wreck by wreck."Fetter and Faith for England's neck,Faggot and Father, Saint and chain,—Yonder the Devil and all go howling,Devon, O Devon, in wind and rain!"
Drake at the last off Nombre lying,Knowing the night that toward him crept,Gave to the sea-dogs round him cryingThis for a sign before he slept:—"Pride of the West! What Devon hath keptDevon shall keep on tide or main;Call to the storm and drive them flying,Devon, O Devon, in wind and rain!"
Valour of England gaunt and whitening,Far in a South land brought to bay, Locked in a death-grip all day tightening,Waited the end in twilight gray.Battle and storm and the sea-dog's way!Drake from his long rest turned again,Victory lit thy steel with lightning,Devon, O Devon, in wind and rain!