Page:Jack the giant-killer.pdf/24

24 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.