New Zealand Verse/The River Avon

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LXI.

The River Avon.

“Fies nobilium tu quoque fontium.”—Horace.

I love thee, Avon! though thy banks have known No deed of note, thy wand’ring course along No bard of Avon hath poured forth in songThy tuneful praise; thy modest tide hath flownFor ages on, unheeded and alone. I love thee for thy English name, but more Because my countrymen along thy shoreHave made new homes. Therefore not all unknown Henceforth thy streams shall flow. A little whileShall see thy wastes grow lovely. Not in vain Shall England’s sons dwell by thee many a mile.With verdant meads and fields of waving grain Thy rough, uncultured banks ere long shall smile;Heaven-pointing spires shall beautify thy plain.

Henry Jacobs.

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