Classic Poem

England! England! arouse thee! awake!
Hear thy fair daughter, Atlantis call,
Mighty of olden days, turn thee and break
Shackles that cripple thee, fetters that gall,
Strike down the hands that would rob thee of glory,
Crush thy false sons to their suppliant knees.
Isle of heroic deeds, region of story,
Relight the beacons that silvered thy seas.

England! England! thou that hast led,
Guidoning civilization's advance,
Right or wrong, great were thy living and dead,
Splendid the blazonry of thy romance.
Rush to thy battlements, let not be furled
Banners disgraced by degenerate hands—
Flags that have gallantly circled the world—
Expectant of thee the new century stands.

England! England! summon the souls
Whose valor has gilded the heights of thy fame;
Pray guidance of them when thy martial drum rolls,
That honor alone may betrophy thy name.
Clasp hands with thy daughter; with her lead the way,
For the glory of God and humanity's sake,
To the honor and strength of a more righteous day.
England! England! Awake!