Omdurman Poem by Cicely Fox Smith

September 9, 1898

Glory for these glad tidings, far and near,
That come to-day across the plunging main;
Shattered the Dervish host, broken their spear,
Their mad fanatic frenzy turned to fear,
Avenged is Gordon slain!

Glory to those who, killed in glorious fray,
Lie where they fell upon the Egyptian plain:
From the fair scutcheon of our fame away.
Strong English hands have wiped the stain to-day,
Avenged is Gordon slain!

Glory to those who. Ere the set of sun,
Fought their first fought it not in vain,
Twining their flag with bloodstained laurels, won
When our great work of years at last was done,
Avenged our Gordon slain!

The men who shed his life-blood long before
Of their dark breed now reap bitter grain;
Now their short hour of triumphing is o'er,
Broken the reign of blood for evermore,
Avenged is Gordon slain!

Now once again have we redeemed the past,
Our armies marched to triumph once again,
Now brought to nought that army, once so vast;
Shattered the Dervish host; at last, at last,
Avenged is Gordon slain!