Classic Poem

SONG FOR THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY — 1858 .

Raise high the broad Banner!
Old England's broad banner!
That waves its Red Cross over every sea;
With hearts firm and loyal,
Cheer loud for the Royal —
The famed Royal Standard, the Flag of the Free!
And where its loved folds are triumphantly seen,
Let the rallying cry be: " God SAVE E NGLAND'S Q UEEN ! "

God prosper that Banner!
That red Saxon Banner!
'Tis England's — 'tis ours; far away though we be
From that Isle of the Ocean,
Our heart's fond devotion
Is with her — with England — the Home of the Free!
That Flag makes the moments of Danger serene,
For it floats o'er the Home of V ICTORIA OUR Q UEEN !

Long flourish that Banner!
That proud Saxon Banner!
When Nations and Kingdoms go down to decay;
May Peace aye surround it,
As Valor has crowned it,
When foemen unnumbered were smote with dismay.
Three cheers — three times three — for the time-honored sheen
Of that Banner, the Flag of V ICTORIA OUR Q UEEN !

Then up with the Banner!
Our broad Red Cross Banner!
The banner renowned by both Saxon and Gael;
Brave Celts fought victorious,
On fields hot and glorious,
Beneath that broad Banner, on mountain and vale.
Let ALL gather round its loved, conquering screen,
With a true British cry for " V ICTORIA OUR Q UEEN ! "