As one who waiteth for the signet ring
Of his dear sovereign, that his embassy
May have clear passport over land and sea,
And make the subject sacred as his king;

As waits the warrior for a pontiff’s palm,
Upraised in blessing o’er his high emprise;
And bows his mailed forehead prayerful-wise,
Sinking his turbulency in deep calm:

So waited I for one seal to be set
Upon my full commission, for a sign
That should make impotent man’s “I forget,”
And make God’s “I remember” more divine:
Which should command at need the homage of
The armed squadrons of all loyal love.