Poems (Baldwyn)/The Victory
THE VICTORY.
Written on the Night of the Illumination.
FOR "THE NEWS."
Shine, brilliant lights, and tell the story Of England's joy and France's glory; Their flags o'er Russian tow'rs are shown,—The work, the mighty work, is done.
O'er Alma heights they came in power,—There was their first and glorious hour; Through gloomy mists at Inkermann Their steel in triumph conqu'ring ran.
O'er stormy wilds, o'er treach'rous foes, 'Mid labours that scarce knew repose; In dire disease, in winter's cold, Still were they valiant, patient, bold.
On sea, on land, the thund'ring gun Told where their noble work was done; The broad, calm heaven reveal'd the blaze Of conquer'd cities to the gaze.
Soldiers of France, your praise shall ring Through the wide world! each tongue shall Of England's valour!—nobly blest, A shield of nations,—glorious crest!
Sebastopol! the Russians' pride, England and France its spoil divide; And loud the Black Sea's moaning wave Echoes above the war-ships' grave.
Let us rejoice that o'er the main The allied fleet alone shall reign; The allied armies too shall spread Protection o'er the feeble head.
Down with all tyrants! Rise and reign, Justice and Peace, o'er land and main! And sacred truth in power be shown Where'er the conqu'ring arm is thrown.
God save the Queen! and may the hand So firm, so valiant, in command, Soothe the sad hearts that now must mourn For those who never will return.
Oh, Europe, nobly blest to be The home of honor, liberty! May ever sceptre bow in praise, And every tongue its tribute raise—
To all who fought! to all who fell! To all who serve the nations well! To all who planted liberty On land, on river, and the sea!
St. Johns, October 9, 1855.