What if the storm-clouds blow? What if the green leaves fall? Better the crashing tempest's throe Than the army of worms that gnawed below; Trample them one and all! Then, when the battle is won, And the land from traitors free, Was bright on our brave old tree! INTERNATIONAL ODE. OUR FATHERS' LAND.* GOD bless our Fathers' Land! Keep her in heart and hand One with our own ! From all her foes defend, Be her brave People's Friend, On all her realms descend, Protect her Throne! Father, with loving care Guard Thou her kingdom's Heir, Guide all his ways: * Sung in unison by twelve hundred children of the public schools, at the visit of the Prince of Wales to Boston, October 18, 1860. Air, "God save the Queen." Thine arm his shelter be, Bid storm and danger flee, Prolong his days! Lord, let War's tempest cease, Make all Thy nations one, Till Thou shalt reign alone, FREEDOM, OUR QUEEN. LAND where the banners wave last in the sun, Blazoned with star-clusters, many in one, Floating o'er prairie and mountain and sea; Hark! 't is the voice of thy children to thee! Here at thine altar our vows we renew Mother of heroes! if perfidy's blight Fall on a star in thy garland of light, Sound but one bugle-blast! Lo! at the sign Armies all panoplied wheel into line! Hope of the world! thou hast broken its chains, Wear thy bright arms while a tyrant remains, Stand for the right till the nations shall own Freedom their sovereign, with Law for her throne ! Freedom! sweet Freedom! our voices resound, Queen by God's blessing, unsceptred, uncrowned! Freedom, sweet Freedom, our pulses repeat, Warm with her life-blood, as long as they beat! Fold the broad banner-stripes over her breast, |