International Ode (1860)
by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

This ode was sung in unison by twelve hundred children of the public schools to the air of "God save the Queen" at the visit of the Prince of Wales to Boston, October 18, 1860.

411945International Ode1860Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

God bless our Fathers' Land!
Keep her in heart and hand
   One with our own!
From all her foes defend,
Be her brave People's Friend,
On all her realms descend,
   Protect her Throne!

Father, with loving car
Guard Thou her kingdom's Heir,
   Guide all his ways:
Thine arm his shelter be,
From him by land and sea
Bid storm and danger flee,
   Prolong his days!

Lord, let War's tempest cease,
Fold the whole Earth in peace
   Under thy wings!
Make all thy nations one,
All hearts beneath the sun,
Till Thou shalt reign alone,
   Great King of kings!

This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

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