In Residence

BALLADE OF OLD ADMIRALS WHEN England’s children needed most The wall of wood, the naked sword, There ever stood at duty’s post A sailor, commoner or lord, Ready at once to step aboard, And bid the top-sails heavenward shake, And smite the foe’s unwieldy horde :— Nelson and Rodney, Howe and Drake. Like some white softly-stealing ghost, The wide-winged ships, with iron stored, Drop down the Channel, with a toast To England, Home, and Beauty. Roared All in a sudden wild accord The broadside for old England’s sake : The enemy could not afford Nelson and Rodney, Howe and Drake. On every English heart, engrossed In golden letters, tall and broad, Are the achievements of our host And the brave ships, whose horns have gored 39