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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


KING AND PEOPLE by CHARLES WILLIAM BRODRIBB

First Line: IN THE TUMULTUARY LIFE OF PRINCES
Last Line: FIRM ARE THE FEET THAT TREAD THE ANCIENT WAYS.
Subject(s): FRIENDSHIP;

In the tumultuary life of princes—
Friends, it is stout old Samuel Johnson's phrase—
In the tumultuary life of princes
There is but sequence of laborious days.

Peace therefore guard this Prince through years ensuing,
And Love escort wherever Duty calls:
Neither Grace fail him for his strength's renewing,
But fend unsleeping Care from his four walls,

Goodwill rejoice in this his dedication—
To deeper hallowing no head may bow—
His seat a rock, the symbol of a nation,
Her tale of years the circle on his brow.

More—while throats roar and chimes ring from the steeples,
Let widening Wisdom frame a further phrase:
In the tumultuary life of peoples
Firm are the feet that tread the ancient ways.



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