Classic Poem

Oh Native Land! dear Native Land!
Magnificent art thou,
Throned with the sea on either hand,
The stars upon thy brow.

For thee there is no task too great;
Thou hast the imperial power.
The nations for thy guidance wait
When storm-clouds darkly lower.

The earth her wealth for ages stored —
Her treasures manifold —
Before thy feet has proudly poured
In lavish streams of gold.

Millions of men from foreign shores,
With youth and courage blest,
Have come with hope to share thy stores,
Great Mistress of the West.

Thou takest them, thou mouldest them,
They win life at thy board;
Their virtue is thy diadem,
Their vigor is thy sword.

Thou art the loftiest child of Time,
Most fortunate in thy birth;
Thy crowned head strikes the stars sublime,
Thy footstep shakes the earth.

Thy strength is match for any strife,
Thy seas are undisturbed;
Yet there are threatening dangers rife
Born of thy power uncurbed.

May God deliver thee from pride,
From arrogance unjust,
From luxury's ever-mounting tide,
From lawless wealth and lust.

Make us thy children pure and true,
Let righteousness prevail;
Purge from our midst the shameless crew
That our fair fame assail.

Oh, let unselfishness control
The motives of our laws;
Let peace and union be thy goal,
And love thy holiest cause.

Learn from the past what paths to shun,
Preserve the eternal right,
And thou shalt prosper till the sun
Is quenched in endless night.