25 MARCH 1876, Page 15

POETRY.

TO THE EMPRESS.

AFT= BEN JONSON'S "QUEEN AND HUNTRESS, CHASTE AND FAIR."

QUEEN and Empress,—here and there,—

English pride is laid to sleep, Seated in th' Imperial chair, State in brand-new fashion keep !

India entreats thy light, Empress, excellently bright.

England, let not thy dull shade Dare itself to interpose, India's diadem was made Queens to cheer as day does close.

Dazzle, then, with Dizzy's light, Empress, excellently bright. Lay th' historic Crown apart., Mindful of thy teeming quiver ; Give to the Grand-Duchess' heart Joy of pride, how short soever. Make of princely darkness light, Empress, excellently bright.