Cambridge Poets 1900–1913

Esmé Wingfield -Stratford . *WHEN WAR WAS THREATENED TO ENGLAND OOK down , O Lord , on this our Motherland , I Thine England of the Seas ; below the verge Her foes are gathering , even as the surge Musters its long dark lines to storm the sand . What worth have we or valour to withstand The shock of hosts , what merit to emerge Pure from the flame ? yet grant to us the scourge But spare the bolt in Thine uplifted hand . Great God , Who dost not doom the sins of men With cold , grey justice of a human eye , Have not our fathers glorified Thy name ? Hath she no service yet ? O grant us then This respite , gracious Lord , or else to die Before our dear , dear country owns her shame . 213