Victoria

White Star of Womanhood, whose rays Thro’ years of peace and years of stress Shed wide o’er all thy people’s ways The light of nobleness— A memory in their hearts impearled To nerve thy sons where’er they roam— Empress and Queen o’er half a World, Yet Angel of the Home. Now, when the Shadow of Death has crost The belt of Empire, sea by sea, The wide world weeps that freedom lost A friend like thee, Who strove for righteousness, who wore A hero’s soul in woman’s breast: God fold thee, now thy work is o’er, In robes of rest. Death came not to thy fearless eyes A King of Terrors, but a friend, Whispering: “Long years of sacrifice At last shall end. Sleep, for the stress of Life is o’er, And on thy heart is laid release; Lay down the Crown of Empire for The Crown of Peace.”