Classic Poem

—O LD England's sons are English yet,
——Old England's hearts are strong;
—And still she wears her coronet
——Aflame with sword and song.
—As in their pride our fathers died,
——If need be, so die we;
—So wield we still, gainsay who will,
——The sceptre of the sea.
England, stand fast; let heart and hand be steady;
Be thy first word thy last,—Ready, ay, ready!

—We've Raleighs still for Raleigh's part,
——We've Nelsons yet unknown;
—The pulses of the Lion Heart
——Beat on through Wellington.
—Hold, Britain, hold thy creed of old,
——Strong foe and steadfast friend,
—And, still unto thy motto true,
——Defy not, but defend.
England, stand fast; let heart and hand be steady;
Be thy first word thy last,—Ready, ay, ready!

—Men whispered that our arm was weak,
——Men said our blood was cold,
—And that our hearts no longer speak
——The clarion-note of old;
—But let the spear and sword draw near
——The sleeping lion's den,
—His island shore shall start once more
——To life with armèd men.
England, stand fast; let heart and hand be steady;
Be thy first word thy last,—Ready, ay, ready!