A thousand years by sea and land Our race hath served the island kings,
But not by custom's dull command To-day with song her Empire rings:
Not all the glories of her birth, Her armed renown and ancient throne,
Could make her less the child of earth Or give her hopes beyond our own:
But stayed on faith more sternly proved And pride than ours more pure and deep,
She loves the land our fathers loved And keeps the fame our sons shall keep.
