25 DECEMBER 1926, Page 17

Poetry

England, 1926

LORD, love the land that Thou host planned

And lit with myriad lights, Let not our futile failings leave

The future which our doubts conceive—

A length of untold nights.

Leave just one star to gleam afar And light the appointed way, On England's earth. beget the birth Of melodies which mate with mirth And cousin are to day.

Let light fill every field, and will Free earth to all our fidwers, Fill every heart with burnished gold, Let life grow on but not grow old ; Replenish empty hours.

Free thought from prison, pride from place, Bless all who till the -land, • Shatter -the bonds which cities make, As David's heirs, for -David's sake, -- Fulfil our laws—and we- shall- stand.- --