BRITANNIA
(A Dialogue)
(A Dialogue)
Britannia:Here arrayed in glorious vestureI do myself behold:While raging round with deadly lustre,The battle-fields unfold:They fain would turn me cold,But ever and anon,In trumpets call and fiery clash of steel,The guns boom and peal.I must not halt, fall back, I dare not,Where duty calls, its battles must be fought;To whom shall I turn for aid?O help me one and all,This is your country's call!
Agriculturist:Heardst I a cry as from a distant shore;Hark! it comes more and more,It bids me hasten o'er the briny wave,'Tis Britain's call who would her people save.Alas! I cannot go, But with true service and a willing hand,My fields shall yield the crops at harvest dueTo supply her demand.
Capitalist:What sounded in my ear, so loud and clear?Millions of children's tongues,Whose clamour crossed with wind and wave,That those with plenty still could save,If heart and will so minded.Who folds these children to her breastAnd guards them with her country's best?'Tis Britain, she now calls.O, dare I pass that pleading gazeWhich binds me to Her side,I'll let my purse-strings looseFor Her unstinted useShall be forth-coming:Here Britannia, accept my money store.I cannot go, but, help to Thee I'll pour,Till all is o'er beyond the swelling tide.
WorkmanAt my work in many places,Different dresses have I worn;Now my eye with anguish raises,When it knows, that priceless goreHas been. is and will be spilledOn the alien shore.To Thee, Britain, I will answer,Since Thy cause is just and right:Work unceasing, time unboundedShall aid Thy conquering fight,Fight for freedom, fight for honor,Bursts forth from Thy lips;Blocked by home-ties, yet more fonderWork for Thee'll not lose its grip.Ever stronger, working longer,Take it might and mainUntil lost is battle's pain.
Woman:My eyes are dry to-day,My soldier boy's away:To answer Thee. my Britain, when Thou call'st, He heard the whispered sigh,He heard the maddening cry,He waited not in partingBut bid me fond good-bye.My word now back I send,As to a kind. dear friendIs that my all, my treasure,All my joy and pleasureIs in Thy battle-lineBraving tide and time.
BritanniaMy heart tho streamingWith its death-like struggleWhich round enfolds,Is soothed from half its troubleBy truly, noble souls,Bulwarks of my kingdom,All praise be thineDuty crowned with patriot's love-lightShall remain a diadem;And the honour of our homelandEver bright and fair shall be;When our heroes, home returningFreedom gained, our loved flag free.