NIGHTMARE

In a false dream I saw the Foe prevail.

The war was ended; the last smoke had rolled

Away: and we, erewhile the strong and bold,

Stood broken, humbled, withered, weak and pale,

And moan'd, “Our greatness is become a tale

To tell our children's babes when we are old.

They shall put by their playthings to be told

How England once, before the years of bale,

Throned above trembling, puissant, grandiose, calm,

Held Asia's richest jewel in her palm;

And with unnumbered isles barbaric, she

The broad hem of her glistering robe impearl'd;

Then, when she wound her arms about the world,

And had for vassal the obsequious sea.”