Sonnet to the British Navy

Lest force aspire to brand an alien name Upon the immortal empire of the free: Lest fire and sword and slaughter strive to tame This isle, was ne'er so tamed, and ne'er shall be. Ye guard the ocean barrier, undismayed 'Midst hidden perils for a brave man's fears, In iron craft that many smiths have made With peaceful labour in the old, dead years. In a small vessel, of one Smith ill-wrought I must soon venture on another deep, And dare, with little hope, and little thought Of praise and honour and untroubled sleep: So, as each sails upon his perilous sea, I pray High God He strengthen you, and me.