THE DEATH OF THE QUEEN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11958, 4 February 1901, Page 2

THE DEATH OF THE QUEEN.

VICTORIA. R.I.

Queen of an Empire wide as the World, Queen of the hearts of all, Tfce greatest monarch that Earth lias seen hath answered the Waster's call The hand of the Angel of Death hath closed the gate of her golden years, And the cloud of a nation's sorrow breaks in the rain of a nation's tears. Queen by more than a royal right; beloved for herself alone; Peasant and Peer proclaimed her Queen, and each as his very own. She reigned by the right of love, enthroned in her people's hearts secure, By right of her noble womanhood, by right of her sceptre pure. For the Crown tlmt came to a simple maid from tlie hand of the King of Kings Was worn in the humble trust in God that ever a blessing brings, And the hand of the Lord upon her, as Queen, as Mother, and Wife, Hath crowned with glory and honour all tho days of her gentle lifeHath given her realm prosperity and wealth in a vast increase, Ilath made her people around her throne to dwell in unbroken peace, Hath given her a wondrous longth of days, and wisdom, and strength, and grace, And unto their children's children blest the seed of her royal race. Her gracious rulo over laud and sea to the ends of the world hath spread, And the light of Truth and of Liberty in tho Earth's dark places shed, Till millions of many a dusky race that never her face had seen, Had learned to speak with a loving pride the name of "The Great White Queen." The Mother of all her people, well they knew that her tender heart In all their sorrows and all their joys took ever a loving part, And her people loved their Queen as Queen was never loved before. And the cup of their sonw is full because they shall see her face no more. The hush of a grief too deep for words is over tho land and sea, Tho flags droop low and the busy throngs move softly, and silently; For tho shadow of .death, like a deep black cloud, hangs dark over all the scene, And in lowly cottage and lordly hall the Empire mourns the Queen; Yet mourns with a thankful heart to God for her great aud glorious reign, For the precious memory that henceforth is hei people's lasting.gain For the certain hope that the diadem of her earthly throne laid down Is but exchanged in the Land of Light for a never-fading crown. WM. J. STEWARD.