The Poetry Corner

On A Foreign War Ship's Salute To The Queen's Standard At Osborne.

By John Campbell

With their deep voice, monotonous and slow, The cannon's thunders roll along the sea; But 'tis in reverence, and to work no woe Those sounds here reach the shore and onward flee Past the oak woods that climb the grassy lea, To strike thy terraces, and palace fair With stately salutation offered thee Who of these potent realms the crown dost wear. So to the fabric of our future fame, Set in the green oak of our Empire's might: Shall history's voice, with measured praise, proclaim Thy life-long love of justice and of right, And the good era that thy reign hath been. To hail thee, reverently, Victoria, Queen.