ENGLAND.
O England, speck amidst the world of waters!
Thou art the world's great wonder. Realms afar
Have heard thy voice, have seen thy light, have felt thy power.
Some, jealous, envy thee; some bless thy name.
The might of freedom, and the light of truth,—
The freedom that can burst the spirit's bonds,
The light that leads that spirit up to heaven,—
These are thy charge, and for the wide world's weal,
Be faithful to thy trust, thou honour'd Isle!
Thou hast a glorious mission to the nations.
Hold fast to the truth of God with strong right hand;
Cast forth the traitors that would take thy crown.
Still send thy sons, as Mercy's angels, forth
To sound in silver tones, to far-off lands,
The trumpet of the everlasting gospel;
So shall Heaven's smile be thy perpetual light,
And Heaven's dread power, "a wall of fire," thy guard.
