<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="" class="head">You at the Helm</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line">YOU at the helm of Empire, that with wise</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:%"> Or foolish steersmanship her course control,</p><p class="line">Where, if she 'scape not murderous reef and shoal,</p><p class="line">She sinks in tempest, nevermore to rise--</p><p class="line">'Tis yours to ope or shut a nation's eyes,</p><p class="line">'Tis yours to feed or starve a people's soul,</p><p class="line">To give as noble dues, or meanly dole</p><p class="line">As niggard alms, the truth for which she cries.</p><p class="line">She bade you be custodians of the light,</p><p class="line">Not its extinguishers; and if she fall</p><p class="line">Into a slumber of the heart or brain,</p><p class="line">Because you stopped her ears and veiled her sight,</p><p class="line">Then, though you come with trumpets, you may call</p><p class="line">A too deep sleeper, and may call in vain.</p></div></body></html> · Great War