Royal Birth

The bells ring out, the banners are unfurled,

Saluting  guns their acclamations fire;

Throughout the land a wave of feeling runs

And echoes travel half-way round the world.

A son is born ! A prince ! Let the entire

Community rejoice in millions.

Happy event indeed !  Let men be hurled

Out into space, wonders of skill transpire,

No greater miracle than this, the birth of sons,

The gift of life, from man’s keen eyes still veiled.

Let us rejoice not only in this birth

But that eternal springs are in each soul

And He who gives us life can make us whole

And fit to live beyond this confined earth.

 

Weekly Times   26.2.60

(On the birth of Prince Andrew)