Poems (Shore)/An Exhortation
AN EXHORTATION
Oh Heart of England! Set thyself on fire!
Not for the charge, not for the breach—to these
Thou hast rushed already—Not for ministries
By horror's side; could Pity's self inspire
A fuller burst from all thy strings, great Lyre,
When she came weeping to thee o'er the seas?
Anvil where strength beats out her prodigies,
Workshop of Thought—what more do I require?
Brave, tender, strong and true! Yet, England, rise
In greatness! Know how much thou has to do.
Work faithful work, all you who seek the prize,
And you who deal, give faithful judgment too,
But, fail or win, let God's great task in life
Be dear to each as parent, child, and wife.
Not for the charge, not for the breach—to these
Thou hast rushed already—Not for ministries
By horror's side; could Pity's self inspire
A fuller burst from all thy strings, great Lyre,
When she came weeping to thee o'er the seas?
Anvil where strength beats out her prodigies,
Workshop of Thought—what more do I require?
Brave, tender, strong and true! Yet, England, rise
In greatness! Know how much thou has to do.
Work faithful work, all you who seek the prize,
And you who deal, give faithful judgment too,
But, fail or win, let God's great task in life
Be dear to each as parent, child, and wife.
April 26, 1355,