Songs of love and empire

"Songs of love and empire" by E. Nesbit is a collection of 19th-century poetry by the author.

Excerpt:

"TO THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND

[June 22, 1897]

Come forth! the world's aflame with flags and flowers,

The shout of bells fills full the shattered air,

This is the crown of all your golden hours,

More than all other hours august and fair;

This did the years prepare,

A triumph for our Lady and our Queen,

More rich than any king in any land hath seen.

Clothed are your streets with scarlet, gold, and blue,

Flowers under foot and banners over head,

And while your people's voice storms Heaven for you

About your way are voiceless blessings shed,

And over you are spread

Wide wings of love, free love, tamed to your hand,

Love that gold cannot buy, nor Majesty command.

Not these mere visible millions only, share

Your triumph—here all English hearts beat high… "