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108 7 Britannia wide-flung Over the globe; its half Her children, whether graff Or scion mother-sprung; Sons, now to be her staff When her path glooms; though Rhine, Danube and Elbe combine Of these (O idlest dream!), To reave her. Hers they are, Rous'd, ardent in her right! From Ganges utmost stream Far as Canadian firs And bush Australian, hers. Joined even in hell's despite To help Britannia.

8 Britannia the heart And brain that bulwarks power; See, at the crucial hour How well she bears her part! From fields how peaceful flower In millions arms and men! Which now she pours again To those old battlefields, France, Flanders; makes her star Of glory that she shields The weak, confronts the strong. Brute force let others sing; She shows in everything To her it shall belong To be—Britannia.