As One Who Waiteth

As one who waiteth for the signet ring
Of his dear sovereign, that his embassy
May have clear passport over land and sea,
And make the subject sacred as his king;

As waits the warrior for a pontiff’s palm,
Upraised in blessing o’er his high emprise;
And bows his mailed forehead prayerful-wise,
Sinking his turbulency in deep calm:

So waited I for one seal to be set
Upon my full commission, for a sign
That should make impotent man’s “I forget,”

And make God’s “I remember” more divine:
Which should command at need the homage of
The armed squadrons of all loyal love.