When England of the quiet heart <br />Flung back the covenant of shame, <br />A dignity of high resolve <br />Upon her councils came. <br /> <br />Freedom's old standard, long laid by <br />Shook out its tattered folds once more; <br />And rank on rank with steady eyes <br />Her sons went out to war. <br /> <br />Unbroken in these ancient fields <br />A Sabbath calm dwells in the air, <br />And men along the shady road <br />Go quietly to prayer. <br /> <br />Vial of wrath has burst the seal <br />Thrones fall and dominations cease; <br />The silent face of England wears <br />The dignity of peace.<br /><br />William Noel Hodgson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-new-spirit/
