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The Hundredth Year

"Drake, and Blake, and Nelson's mighty name."

The stars were faint in heavenThat saw the Old Year die:The dream-white mist of DevonShut in the seaward sky:Before the dawn's unveilingI heard three voices hailing,I saw three ships come sailingWith lanterns gleaming high.
The first he cried defiance—A full-mouthed voice and bold—"On God be our reliance,Our hope the Spaniard's gold!With a still, stern ambuscado,With a roaring escalado,We'll sack their EldoradoAnd storm their dungeon hold!"
Then slowly spake the second—A great sad voice and deep—"When all your gold is reckoned,There is but this to keep:

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