Arthur Quiller-Couch, comp. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse. 1922.
Founders DayRobert Bridges (18441930)
C
Mary, in whose fair name was laid
Eton’s corner, bless our youth
With Truth, and Purity, mother of truth!
O ye, ’neath breezy skies of June,
By silver Thames’s lulling tune,
In shade of willow or oak, who try
The golden gates of poesy;
Match your strength in England’s play,
Scholars of Henry, giving grace
To toil and force in game or race;
Of him, the sorrowful king, who came
Here in his realm a realm to found,
Where he might stand for ever crown’d.
Or whether with naked bodies flashing
Ye plunge in the lashing weir; or dashing
The oars of cedar skiffs, ye strain
Round the rushes and home again;—
That makes your mingled presence free,
When by the school gate ’neath the limes
Ye muster, waiting the lazy chimes;
Temper for you her sword of faith;
Crown with honour the loving eyes,
And touch with mirth the mouth of the wise.
Here is eternal spring: for you
The very stars of heaven are new;
And aged Fame again is born,
Fresh as a peeping flower of morn.
Mozart shall steal your ravish’d soul,
Homer his bardic hymn rehearse,
Virgil recite his maiden verse.
Each in one thing excel the rest:
Strive; and hold fast this truth of heaven—
To him that hath shall more be given.
Slow on your dial the shadows creep,
So many hours for food and sleep,
So many hours till study tire,
So many hours for heart’s desire.
Mirrors bright for her magic cave;
Wherein may steadfast eyes behold
A self that groweth never old.
And when ye leave regret it not;
With wishing gifts in festal state
Pass ye the angel-sworded gate.
Then to the world let shine your light,
Children in play be lions in fight,
And match with red immortal deeds
The victory that made ring the meads:
From giddy head and grasping hand:
I
Better what ye have better’d once.
Bearing your name to fill your place:
Ye in their time shall live again
The happy dream of Henry’s reign:
And on his day your steps be bent
Where, saint and king, crown’d with content,
He biddeth a prayer to bless his youth
With Truth, and Purity, mother of Truth.