[Tennyson's poem was inspired by the recital of one of the most
notable features of the Great Mutiny.]
I
Banner of England, not for a season, O banner of Britain, hast
thou
Floated in conquering--battle, or flapped to the battle-cry!
Never with mightier glory than when we had reared thee on high
Flying at top of the roofs in the ghastly siege of Lucknow--
Shot thro' the staff or the halyard, but ever we raised thee
anew,
And ever upon our topmost roof our banner of England blew.