Classic Poem

"Unless public opinion can rise to the height of discussing
the substitution of law for force as a great world-movement,
the American arbitration proposals cannot be carried out."

Sir Edward Grey.




I

Dare we--though our hope deferred
Left us faithless long ago--
Dare we let our hearts be stirred,
Lift them to the light and know,
Cast away our cynic shields,
Break the sword that Mockery wields,
Know that Truth indeed prevails,
And that Justice holds the scales?
Britain, kneel!
Kneel, Imperial Commonweal!


II

Dare we know that this great hour,
Dawning on thy long renown,
Marks the purpose of thy power,
Crowns thee with a mightier crown,
Know that to this purpose climb
All the blood-red wars of Time?
If indeed thou hast a goal
Beaconing to thy warrior soul,
Britain, kneel!
Kneel, Imperial Commonweal!


III

Dare we know what every age
Writes with an unerring hand,
Read the midnight's moving page,
Read the stars and understand,--
Out of Chaos ye shall draw
Linked harmonies of Law,
Till around the Eternal Sun
All your peoples move in one?
Britain, kneel!
Kneel, Imperial Commonweal!


IV

Dare we know that wearied eyes
Dimmed with dust of every day
Can, once more, desire the skies
And the glorious upward way?
Dare we, if the Truth should still
Vex with doubt our alien will,
Take it to our Maker's throne,
Let Him speak with us alone?
Britain, kneel!
Kneel, Imperial Commonweal!


V

Dare we cast our pride away?
Dare we tread where Lincoln trod?
All the Future, by this day,
Waits to judge us and our God!
Set the struggling peoples free!
Crown with Law their Liberty!
Proud with an immortal pride,
Kneel we at our Sister's side!
Britain, kneel!
Kneel, Imperial Commonweal!