Jack the Giant-killer (1840)/The Banner of War
THE BANNER OF WAR.
Behold the Britannia! how stately and brave,
She floats on the ambient tides!
For empire design;d, o;er the turbulent wave!
How trim and how gallant she rides!
Yet love in a true Briton;s heart,
With glory contends for a part;
And the fair cheek of beauty with tears is impearl'd
When the banner, the banner of war is unfurl'd.
On the shore how alert, how intrepid the crew;
How firm at their sovereign’s command;
Or dauntless o’er ocean her foes to pursue,
And die for the cause of our land.
Yet one tear, ere the heroes' depart,
One sigh shall be driven from the heart;
One kiss on the cheek which sweet sorrows impearl'd
When the banner, the banner of war is unfurl'd.
Now on to the conquest! the battle swells high,
And fierce round the vessel it roars;
Hark, the sons of Britannia, "to victory," cry,
And victory sounds to our shores.
Then peaceful again to their home,
Shall the patriot warriors come;
No more the fair cheek shall with tears be impearl'd,
But the banner of peace stand for ever unfurl'd.