Poems (Cook)/The Thames

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THE THAMES.
Let the Rhine be blue and brightIn its path of liquid light,Where the red grapes fling a beamOf glory on the stream;Let the gorgeous beauty there.Mingle all that's rich and fair;Yet to me it ne'er could beLike that river great and free,  The Thames! the mighty Thames!
Though it bear no azure wave,Though no pearly foam may lave,Or leaping cascades pourTheir rainbows on its shore;Yet I ever loved to dwellWhere I heard its gushing swell;And never skimm'd its breast,But I warmly praised and blest  The Thames! the mighty Thames!
Can ye find in all the world.A braver flag unfurl'dThan that which floats aboveThe stream I sing and love?Oh! what a burning glowHas thrill'd my breast and brow,To see that proud flag comeWith glory to its home,  The Thames! the mighty Thames!
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Did ribs more firm and fastEre meet the shot or blastThan the gallant barks that glideOn its full and steady tide?Would ye seek a dauntless crew,With hearts to dare and hands to do?You'll find the foe proclaimsThey are cradled on the Thames;  The Thames the mighty Thames!
They say the mountain childOft loves its torrent wildSo well, that should he partHe breaks his pining heart;He grieves with smother'd sighsTill his wearying spirit dies;And so I yearn to thee,Thou river of the free,  My own, my native Thames!

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