Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron 1809–92

Prelude

Tennyson

ENGLAND! since Shakespeare died no loftier day

For thee than lights herewith a century’s goal,—

Nor statelier exit of heroic soul

Conjoined with soul heroic,—nor a lay

Excelling theirs who made renowned thy sway

Even as they heard the billows which outroll

Thine ancient sea, and left their joy and dole

In song, and on the strand their mantles gray.

Star-rayed with fame thine Abbey windows loom

Above his dust whom the Venetian barge

Bore to the main; who passed the two-fold marge

To slumber in thy keeping,—yet make room

For the great Laurifer, whose chanting large

And sweet shall last until our tongue’s far doom.