ON SENDING MY BOOK TO AN ENGLISH FRIEND.

“It's a long lane that knows no turnings” —

And the seas are wide indeed,

But there are no barriers dividing

The Anglo-Saxon creed.

Fair fighting when the skies are lowering —

Fair peace when skies are clear —

And the faith of fair intentions, unfaltering,

And the heart that holds no fear.

“It's a long lane that knows no turnings” —

And Browning never said a thing more true,

So I know you'll know the spirit that impels me

To send this little messenger to you.