[Editor: This poem by Grant Hervey was published in Australians Yet and Other Verses, 1913.]
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One greater than a king
Hath from the world been taken.
A mighty soul takes wing,
A country lies forsaken,
A voice is heard in weeping
And bitter lamentation,
The Isles a vigil keeping
For their grief-stricken nation.
A mighty voice is still,
We hear no more in thunder
That resolute “I will”
Which cleaved the foes asunder.
A stalwart prince of men,
High planets may he tread on ;
A noble citizen —
We loved thee, Richard Seddon.
No struggle and no pain —
Thy very death was royal ;
Unto the people plain
Thou wert for ever loyal.
A wreath of laurel leaves
Thy brow doth deck with glory.
Each heart’s a loom that weaves
Thee in thy country’s story ;
It showeth clear and far
In blaze of triple splendour,
Thy great and steadfast star —
The nation’s strong defender.
The people’s chosen chief,
Strong-purposed and reliant,
Australia bows in grief
Beside the Fallen Giant.
Source:
Grant Hervey. Australians Yet and Other Verses, Thomas C. Lothian, Melbourne, 1913, pages 206-207
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