University of Virginia Library

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9

“DEFENCE, BUT NOT DEFIANCE.”

SONG FOR THE RIFLE VOLUNTEERS OF GREAT BRITAIN IN GENERAL.

Come, let our silver bugles ring—
(The gift of grateful beauty)
Whene'er they call we'll gaily spring
To do a soldier's duty.
Our banner fair a vow records
On which we build reliance,
To guide our aim, to bless our swords—
“Defence, but not Defiance.”

Chor.

Then let our silver bugles ring, &c.

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10

Our banner yet unchalleng'd flies,
A homely motto bearing,
Long may it float in peaceful skies—
Record no deed of daring;
To Britain's ancient glory we
May point with safe reliance,
So let our quiet motto be—
“Defence, but not Defiance.”

Chor.

Then let our, &c.

Let Victory spread her crimson wing
At despots' dark invoking,
For us—to war we'll never spring
Unless at dire provoking.
No lust of foreign glory stains
The Volunteer's affiance,
He would but guard his native plains—
“Defence, but not Defiance.”

Chor.

Then let our, &c.

Like other dogs, “the dogs of war”
Have different modes of fighting:
Of one—the bark is worse by far;
Of t'other—worse the biting.

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11

On such a fight—the money down—
I'll bet, with safe reliance,
And name the stake—a British crown—
“Defence” will beat “Defiance.”

Chor.

Then let our, &c.

S. L.