BRITANNIA
(A Dialogue)
(A Dialogue)
Britannia:
Here arrayed in glorious vesture
I 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!
Here arrayed in glorious vesture
I 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,
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,
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