
The collection gathers a dozen poems that turn the tides of history into song, drawing on England’s age‑of‑sail glory. Figures such as Sir Francis Drake, Admiral Nelson and the fighting ship Téméraire appear in brisk, rhythmic verses that echo the clatter of cannons and the roll of the sea. The poet’s language is plain yet vivid, often slipping into a jaunty, almost folk‑like cadence that makes the distant battles feel immediate.
Beyond the martial bravado, the book also offers quieter moments—reflections on duty, memory, and the lingering echo of a drum on a distant shore. The poems vary from lively choruses to solemn elegies, giving listeners a sense of both the triumph and the cost of empire. With a steady, melodic flow, the verses invite you to hear history spoken as if it were a living tide.
Presented in a reading, the collection works well as an audio experience, letting the cadence of each line carry the listener across the decks and into the past. Whether you’re a fan of maritime lore or simply enjoy well‑crafted verse, the poems offer an engaging journey.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (89K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-10-31
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1862–1938
Best known for stirring poems like "Vitai Lampada," this English poet, novelist, and historian wrote with a strong sense of duty, memory, and public life. His work helped shape how late Victorian and early 20th-century readers thought about school, empire, and national character.
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