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William Wordsworth

The Eagle and the Dove

Shade of Caractacus, if spirits love

The cause they fought for in their earthly home

To see the Eagle ruffled by the Dove

May soothe thy memory of the chains of Rome.


These children claim thee for their sire; the breath

Of thy renown, from Cambrian mountains, fans

A flame within them that despises death

And glorifies the truant youth of Vannes.


With thy own scorn of tyrants they advance,

But truth divine has sanctified their rage,

A silver cross enchased with flowers of France

Their badge, attests the holy fight they wage.


The shrill defiance of the young crusade

Their veteran foes mock as an idle noise;

But unto Faith and Loyalty comes aid

From Heaven, gigantic force to beardless boys.