Skip to content
1858–1935

LAST WORD: TO THE COLONIES

William Watson

Brothers beyond the Atlantic's loud expanse; And you that rear the innumerable fleece Far southward‘ mid the ocean named of peace; Britons that past the Indian wave advance

Our name and spirit and world-predominance; And you our kin that reap the earth's increase Where crawls that long-backed mountain till it cease Crown'd with the headland of bright esperance:—

Remote compatriots wheresoe'er ye dwell, By your prompt voices ringing clear and true We know that with our England all is well: Young is she yet, her world-task but begun!

By you we know her safe, and know by you Her veins are million but her heart is one.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
LAST WORD: TO THE COLONIES · William Watson · Poetry Cove