2 leaves : col. ill., ms. [vignettes of ships and hunters]

This celebratory poem on the Coronation of King George VI is addressed to his Queen Consort Elizabeth, mother of Queen Elizabeth II. A calligraphic presentation copy was presented to the Queen, as well as this more intimate copy written in Masefield's own hand, and illustrated by him. The poem itself also has an air of informality and intimacy. Unlike other royal occasional poems, here Masefield focuses on the quiet and everyday aspects of the British countryside; the return of migratory birds in spring. The songs of these birds, Masefield imagines, both protect and uplift the new queen.