I flaunt my head in the breezes that the ice-bound Pole sends forth
As my halliards curse and chatter in the hail-swept frozen North;
And there's never an ocean steamer or his mate with t'gallant yard
But dip their colours in passing to show me their due regard.
I appeared off the Rio de Oro and secured the Atlantic trade,[1]
I showed off the Isle of Fernandez and saved the Pacific from raid[2];
From barren Perim to Delgado, there isn't a creek or bay[3]
But knows of the power behind me and the price that my enemies pay.
I drooped in the Karun River, but my head wasn't hung for shame;
I prayed for the winds to gather so the Arabs might chant my fame[4];
From Java to Gulf of Aden, from Frisco to Sea of Timor,
There's joy in the hearts of thousands when my colours are seen off shore.
