Classic Poem

Queen of the far-spread ocean,
Sovereign of restless wave,
Skimming the calm,
Riding the storm,
Graceful and fleet and brave.
Honoured and loved and trusted,
Long shall her fame abide,
Pride of the seas,
Queen of the breeze,
Regent of ocean wide.

Shame on the hand that struck her!
Shame on the blow that fell!
Not Nature's hate
Decreed her fate,
But a thought that was born in hell;
God's gift was calm and sunshine,
Soft breeze and the gentle wave,
But Hate's demand
Was Love outplanned,
And a cruel ocean grave.

Queen of the far-spread ocean,
This is your lasting fame:
You dared the foe
That lurked below,
And scorned a coward's shame;
You heard the foeman threaten,
You knew his skill and hate,
But Duty's word
You also heard,
And met a glorious fate.

Mourn for the toll of slaughter,
Mourn for the honoured slain,
But time will show,
And all will know,
The price was not in vain;
For men the wide world over
Have marvelled as they've seen
The heavy price
Of sacrifice
Paid by the ocean queen.

Queen of the far-spread ocean,
You are calling to us to-day:
‘Stand by the right,
Stand to the fight.
British you are for aye.
Fight though a Kinsale Head be yours,
Fight till the world you thrill.’
This is your call.
Answer we all:
‘Queen of the seas—we will!’