Where is the land that fathered, nourished, poured br The sap of a strong race into your veins, br Land of wide tilth, of farms and granaries stored, br Of old towers chiming over peaceful plains? br br It is become a vision, barred away br Like light in cloud, a memory and belief. br On those lost plains the Glory of yesterday br Builds her dark towers for the bells of Grief. br br It is become a splendour--circled name br For all the world; a torch against the skies br Burns on that blood--spot, the unpardoned shame br Of them that conquered: but your homeless eyes br br See rather some brown pond by a white wall, br Red cattle crowding in the rutty lane, br A garden where the hollyhocks were tall br In the Augusts that shall never be again. br br There your thoughts cling as the long--thrusting root br Clings in the ground; your orphaned hearts are there. br O mates of sunburnt earth, your love is mute br But strong like thirst and deeper than despair. br br You have endured what pity can but grope br To feel: into that darkness enters none. br We have but hands to help; yours is the hope br Whose courage rises silent with the sun.