THE ARMADA
With his white hair unbonneted, the stout old sheriff
comes ;
Behind him march the halberdiers ; before him sound
the drums ;
His yeomen round the market cross make clear an
-ample space ;
For there behoves him to set up the standard of Her
Grace.
And haughtily the trumpets peal, and gaily dance
the bells, 5
As slow upon the labouring wind the royal blazon
swells.
Look how the Lion of the sea lifts up his ancient
crown.
And underneath his deadly paw treads the gay lilies
down.
So stalked he when he turned to flight, on that famed
Picard field,
Bohemia's plume, and Genoa's bow, and Caesar's
eagle shield. 10
So glared he when at Agincourt in wrath he turned
to bay,
And crushed and torn beneath his claws the princely
hunters lay.
Ho ! strike the flagstaff deep, Sir Knight: ho !
scatter flowers, fair maids :
Ho ! gunners, fire a loud salute : ho ! gallants,
draw your blades :
Thou sun, shine on her joyously ; ye breezes, waft
her wide ; 15
Our glorious SEMPER EADEM, the banner of our pride.
The freshening breeze of eve unfurled that banner's
massy fold ;
The parting gleam of sunshine kissed that haughty
scroll of gold ;
Night sank upon the dusky beach, and on the purple
sea,
37