POETRY.

Dunstan Times, Issue 700, 17 September 1875, Page 4

POETRY.

[The following (composed by a lady) was read by the Mayor of Portsmouth at the farewell dinner given to the crews of the Discovery and Alert prior to their departure to the Arctic regions.] God speed you gallant men, Far, far beyond our ken, To the long sought for goal, Soon may that well worn rag ’Tis your proud lot to drag, Old England’s glorious flag, Float proudly at the' Pole. Fair science sends you forth, To the dim unknown north, To battle with the foe. Not gleam of bristling steel, Not cutlass thrust to feel, Nor broadside in your keel, But war with sea and snow. For in that frigid zone, The Frost King holds his own With unrelenting sway. • But nought hath power to chill The stern determined will. Unconquerable still, Are England’s sons to-day. Your dauntless chieftain’s name Augers for future fame * In this your arduous quest. We know, brave hearts and true All you must dare and do, But this shall help you through, ’Tis England's high behest. For you no summer hours, No bright and beauteous flowers On that far shore shall bloom. Only the blinding snow, - - Only the dang’rous floe, Perils wher’er you go, And weary months of gloom. Nor welcome news from home, May come across the foam, , To comfort you and cheer, Nor woman’s tender smile. The sad hours to beguile, Shall greet you yet awhile, Nor aught that makes life dear. A Father good and kind, “ Blow with Thy mighty wind, Make Thou the waters flow.” Guide our brave men aright, Through the long Arctic night. Be Thou their sun and sight, Thy presence with them go. So noble pioneers Take with you England’s cheers, They aye to victory lead. Her honor is a spell, Stronger than words can tell, Farewell, bravfe hearts, farewell, . And in her name, “Godspeed 1” TO THE HEROES OP THE ARCTIC EXPEDITION. Farewell ye braves, a nation lauds your worth ! With hearts undaunt’d proudly going forth ; Despite the dangers of a northern blast, Resolv’d to conquer, if to fall at last. Hail ! ye warriors bold, each glorious scar, Shall shine a lustrous, meritorious star ; Then pluck your honour J.ngland’s gallant sons. Be victory your reward most noble ones. Tempestuous winds, hoar-frost, who fears ye now. While laurels wait to deck the heroes’ brow ? If born to noble deeds what can dismay ? Or check resolve to bear the palm away ? Work hand in hand in manly fellowship, May God in mercy guide each stately ship; And keep your souls, O travellers, to th’ bourn ! And grant you all, we pray, a safe return. E. J. Eaglsmas.