Victoria

When have men or nations seen
A life, to rival England’s queen?
What vital interests compressed
Within its span, what truths confessed,
A long, a useful, noble reign.

Maidenhood and age attain
A broader meaning as we view,
Her record, glorious as true.
Each subject, brave to do his part,
Found ready welcome to her heart.

She, the soldier’s work well done,
Proclaimed the wounded hero “Son”;
A royal soul alone reveres,
Worth, where ever it appears,
As light must all the brighter shine.

Springing from a source divine;
Benevolence, when simply shown,
Will gracefully adorn a throne:
The righteous wisdom of her aim,
Glorifies Victoria’s name.