Classic Poem

Holy Creator, ruler of the kingdoms,
Glory of earth and heaven, the Almighty,
Thou to be praised and worshipp'd never ceasing,
Hear us, Jehovah!

While, as in days of innocence aforetime,
We with the choral voice of supplication
Cry to the one great Spirit who beholds us,
Save, we beseech Thee!

May the bright sun, thy day-bestowing servant,
And at whose setting blushes modest even,
Still as he beams successive o'er the nations,
Favour old England:

Kindly may nature, providence approving,
Bless our homes with increase, and the matrons,
Gently relieving, give us noble sons and
Virtuous daughters.

Rivet the golden links of happy wedlock,
And be the social sympathies unbroken,
While on her lord the wedded wife depending,
Smiles for him only.

Still against sect and heresy protesting,
Nursing her babes with motherly affection,
Loving to all, and tender, may the Church be
Faithful and holy:

And if Omniscience, never to be altered
In its decrees, be destiny presiding,
May Britain, by that destiny protected,
Prosper in greatness.

Pour on us kindly seasons, that abundant
Be the rich fruits of mother-earth, and healthy
Still be the gale that wafts us o'er the ocean
Conquerors ever!

Hear us, Redeemer, hear us, ever-blessed!
Hear, thou that dwellest infinite in splendour,
Hear, thou that always lovest to be gracious,
Rise and be with us!

If yet thou smilest favouring on England,
If yet the rose, the thistle, and the shamrock,
Form a sweet garland offer'd on thine altar,
Keep us united.

Let not the thief or murderer infest us,
Let not the base incendiary be near us,
Let not the foul adulterer pollute us —
Spare us from evil:

Bring up the youth in modesty and virtue,
Grant to old age tranquillity and wisdom,
Give the glad sons of Britain health and honour,
Greatness and plenty.

May British mercy more than British valour
Gain from the world its laurel and its olive,
Till over all her enemies triumphant
Glories Britannia!

Help her to rule her own rebellious children,
That the wide West may honour and uphold her,
Aid her to spread the banner of protection
Over her conquests:

Save from intestine murmurings and discord,
Criminal sloth, and infidel compliance,
Scatter the curse of national rejection
Brooding above us;

Let open faith, integrity, and firmness,
Primitive truth, and piety, and prudence,
Loyal content, and patriotic virtue,
Quickly returning,

Crown us with blessings, though we be unworthy,
Fill us with mercies forfeited, and rescue
From bitter hate and scorn among the Gentiles
Protestant Zion.

Friend of the needy, pity and relieve them:
Prosper our arts, and sciences, and commerce:
All that can bless and beautify a nation,
Ever be Britain's!

Long as the world rejoices in thy favour,
Holding it up Omnipotent — let England,
Let Caledonia, with her sister Erin,
Queen of the nations,

Reign, and be strong, acknowledging thy mercy;
Hear us in choral voice of supplication,
Who now invoke thy succour and thy blessing,
Father Almighty!

Yes, we accept the promise of thine answer,
Yes, we depend on pity for protection,
And upon God our confidence reposes,
Through the Redeemer.