English poem
To Leo XIII
by Lionel Johnson (1867–1902)
Leo! Vicar of Christ, His voice, His love, His sword: Leo! Vicar of Christ, Earth's Angel of the Lord:
Leo! Father of all, Whose are all hearts to keep: Leo! Father of all, Chief Shepherd of the sheep:
Leo! Lover of men, Through all the labouring lands: Leo! Lover of men, Blest by thine holy hands:
Leo! Ruler of Rome, Heir of its royal race: Leo! Ruler of Rome, King of the Holy Place:
Leo! Leo the Great! Glory, and love, and fear, Leo! Leo the Great! We give thee, great and dear:
Leo! God grant this thing: Might some, so proud to be Children of England, bring Thine England back to thee!