To the desert sands of Palestine
To the Kingdoms of the East
For love of the cross & the holy shrine
For hope of heavenly rest
In the old dark times of faintest light
Aye wandered forth each Red-cross Knight

Warmed by the Palmer's strange, wild tale
Warmed by the minstrel's song
They took plumed helm & coat of mail
And sabre keenly strong
Then left O high and gallant band!
For unknown shores, their own sweet land!

The cross was still their guiding star
Their weapon and their shield
In vain the lance & scymitar
Opposing squadrons wield
For still victorious from the Fight
Came back each noble red-cross Knight

In vain shrill pipe and timbrel's swell
Rose from the turbaned host
For still the bloody infidel
The wreath of conquest lost
And still that garland's hallowed light
Crowned gloriously the red-cross Knight

The lion King of Christendom
Was gathered where his fathers rest
And ne'er again did battle-hum
Sound from the deserts of the East
And on Britannia's Island shore
The red-cross Knight was seen no more

Six hundred circles of our Earth
Moved round the God of light
When lo! a great and glorious birth
Broke forth on Afric's night
Now flow my strain more swiftly flow
Drink Inspiration's spirit glow

For Gifford is thy wonderous theme
The bravest and the best of men
Whose life has been one martial dream
One war against the Saracen
Reviver of the holy sign
Which whelmed with slaughter Palestine

Hail great Crusader! lift the cross
Call kingdom's to thy banner's shade
And heedless of all earthly loss
Through blood, through fire, through carnage wade
Led by that high & heavenly gem
The living star of Bethlehem

Wade to the city of renown
And ransom Zion from her Foe
Take to thyself a radiant crown
And pour on him eternal woe
Then shall earth's mightiest bless thy name
And yield to thee the palm of Fame.