Will WATERPROOF'S LYRICAL MONOLOGUE To — AFTER READING A LIFE AND LETTERS To E. L., ON HIS TRAVELS IN GREECE Sir LAUNCELOT AND QUEEN GUINEVERE THE PRINCESS : A MEDLEY ENOCH ARDEN 295 405 TO THE QUEEN. R EVERED, beloved O you that hold upon earth Than arms, or power of brain, or birth Could give the warrior kings of old, Victoria, — since your Royal grace This laurel greener from the brows And should your greatness, and the care That yokes with empire, yield you time To make demand of modern rhyme If aught of ancient worth be there; Then — while a sweeter music wakes, And thro' wild March the throstle calls, Where all about your palace-walls The sun-lit almond-blossom shakes Take, Madam, this poor book of song ; For tho’ the faults were thick as dust In vacant chambers, I could trust Your kindness. May you rule us long, |