Careless she lies along the Southern Main, <br />The lovely maiden, wanton with the spell <br />Of sun and vastness and the ocean swell: <br />Northward the great gnomes watch her beauty, fain <br />To snatch her wealth of gold and fleece and grain, <br />And bend her being to their purpose fell: <br />But she lies lazy, and the passing bell <br />Of older glory stirs her sense in vain. <br /> <br />Nor shall she wake and know her danger near <br />Till some high heart and true, her fated lord, <br />Shall kiss her lips, and all her will control, <br />And fill her wayward heart with holy fear, <br />And cross her forehead with his iron sword, <br />And bring her strength, and armour, and a soul.<br /><br />Archibald Thomas Strong<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnets-of-the-empire-australia-1905/
