The Collected Songs of Charles Mackay With Illustrations by John Gilbert |
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ENGLISH VIRTUES. |
 | The Collected Songs of Charles Mackay |  |
253
ENGLISH VIRTUES.
I
The virtues of Old England!We'll count them if we can,
And prove to all who doubt us
What makes the Englishman;
What makes us stand the foremost
Among the brave and free!
What did our sires in days of old,
And what in ours will we.
II
From Agincourt and Cressy,To Nile and Inkermann,
We've shown the wondering nations
What English valour can.
Our foes have felt our courage
In every clime and sea;
Our fathers stood like solid oak,
And so, to death, will we.
III
In times when evil fortuneAssail'd our country's cause,
Around the throne we've rallied,
Defenders of our laws;
Around the throne and altar,
And home, the sheltering tree;
Thus did of old our loyal sires,
And so, true hearts, will we.
254
IV
Our ships in ev'ry oceanAre messengers of peace;
They carry happy tidings,
And bid the world increase.
Our traders thrive by honour;
Their words and bonds agree!
Our fathers wrought for honest gold,
And won it—so will we.
V
And in all times and places,We cherish woman's worth;
Through all our isles we own her
The love-light of the earth;
To youth and age we offer
Respect and bended knee;
Thus did our sires, and taught their sons,
And so, true hearts, will we.
VI
And if we're rich and thriving,We'll keep an open door;
If poor ourselves, the poorer
Shall taste our little store.
The hospitable wine-cup
Shall circle in our glee;—
Our fathers spread the welcome board,
And so, true hearts, will we.
255
VII
The virtues of Old England!We'll prove them, if we can!
And show to all who doubt us
What makes the Englishman;
What makes us stand the foremost
Among the brave and free.
Thus did our sires in days of old,
And so, true hearts, will we!
| The Collected Songs of Charles Mackay | |