The Naval Reserve

written by


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From the undiscovered deep
  Where the blessed lie at ease --
Since the ancient navies keep
  Empire of the heavenly seas --
  Back they come, the mighty dead,
  Quick to serve where they have led.

Rushing on the homeward gale,
  Swift they come, to seek their place
Where the grey flotillas sail,
  Where the children of their race
  Now against the foe maintain
  All they gave their lives to gain.

Rank on rank, the admirals
  Rally to their old commands;
Where the crash of battle falls,
  There the one-armed hero stands.
  Loud upon his phantom mast
  Speak the signals of the past.

Where upon the friendly wave
  Stand our squadrons as of old,
Where the lonely deed and brave
  Shall the ancient torch uphold --
  Strive for England, side by side,
  Those who live and those who died.

© Evelyn Underhill