THE TRIBE OF BENJAMIN

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

Sons born of many a loyal Muse to Ben,

All true-begotten, warm with wine or ale,

Bright from the broad light of its presence, hail!

Prince Randolph, nighest his throne of all his men,

Being highest in spirit and heart who hailed him then

King, nor might other spread so blithe a sail:

Cartwright, a soul pent in with narrower pale,

Praised of thy sire for manful might of pen:

Marmion, whose verse keeps alway keen and fine

The perfume of their Apollonian wine

Who shared with that stout sire of all and thee

The exuberant chalice of his echoing shrine:

Is not your praise writ broad in gold which he

Inscribed, that all who praise his name should see?