10.04.2012, 17:42
Sir Humphrey Gilbert
"Nought hath he known of life who fears to die
For England's sake and honour's holy name,"
Thus o'er the ages leap thy words of flame
That are the light of all our destiny.
Ever thy gaze was toward the Arctic sky,
And by the star whose place is still the same
Thy soul would steer where vessel never came
Round the white capes where Death is lord on high.
And still we see thee gallant and bright as then
Men saw thee on the Squirrel with straining eyes
While the loud gales piped doom on every hand
Till the grey sea-wrack shawled thee from their ken
'Mid great waves breaking short and pyramidwise,
"As near to Heaven by ocean as by land."
"Nought hath he known of life who fears to die
For England's sake and honour's holy name,"
Thus o'er the ages leap thy words of flame
That are the light of all our destiny.
Ever thy gaze was toward the Arctic sky,
And by the star whose place is still the same
Thy soul would steer where vessel never came
Round the white capes where Death is lord on high.
And still we see thee gallant and bright as then
Men saw thee on the Squirrel with straining eyes
While the loud gales piped doom on every hand
Till the grey sea-wrack shawled thee from their ken
'Mid great waves breaking short and pyramidwise,
"As near to Heaven by ocean as by land."