Poems (Hornblower)/Sonnet, addressed to a distinguished American Minister
SONNET,ADDRESSED TO A DISTINGUISHED AMERICAN MINISTER.
Let the great nations mingle!—England, thou To thy freed child extend a smile of love, On her proud march with joy behold her move,And midst the kingdoms raise her youthful brow!And thou, America! in ails and arms Revere thy mother!—read her scrolls of fame, The high descent of many a stainless name,Of heroes formed 'mid danger's wild alarms,Of martyrs, statesmen, poets.—Still may come Thy sons with kindly welcome to our shore, Still will we hail the wind that wafts them o'er,And with regretful blessing speed them home—Charmed in their noble virtues, still to traceThe purity and pride of England's race!