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Show sagacity could not solve-solve with honour, with dignity. But he never had to confront a problem such as has been solved by his grandson and llke~ minded statesmen and subjects. The solution has been Simple honesty and valour, rising from the level of mere State prudence into the empyrean of highest enthusiasm and Virtue. . ‘ When Belgium was threatened once before, Mr. Gladstone, Wielding as he then did almost absolutely the might of Britain, stood by her side as an honoured and honourably protected small State. But that seemed essentially an act of British power and rectitude-the conscious fulfilment of a grand pledge of redemption. Now, the sentiment of the situation is different-an interesting contrast- harmonious but in another scheme and key of harmony. Britain indeed has been as true as her great statesman declared she would be to the little kingdom ; but the kingdom, diminutive in size, has shown itself colossal in strenuous honour and public virtue. Belgium passes into history a splendid paragon of ideal and agonised heroism-heroism for world-wide right as well as a heroism of patriotism- a heroism devoted to the purgation of power from the curse and blight of sinister aggression, of sanguinary rapine, of domineering usurpation. than Chemo/56 By WALTER CRANE To BELGIUM We measure not in numbers or in land The greatness of a people, but the test Is in the hour of peril. when they breast Hard strokes of fate, and (launtlessly withstand A strong and ruthless foe, whose armoured hand, Foresrcorn, is stretched to smite and seize their best, Spoiling a-bleeding rountry, sore distrest, Laid waste by ravagers with flaming brand. Through blood and tears,fr0m noble cities razed, Shines Belgium 's name mzt'anquished, brave and clear ' Resplendent writ in Honour's runes of gold, Who stood for Faith and Freedom unamazed, Defending Right, without reproach or fear, As kindred with the hero-race of old . |