|
I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above, |
|
Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love; |
|
The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test, |
|
That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best; |
|
The love that never falters, the love that pays the price, |
|
The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice. |
|
I heard my country calling, away across the sea, |
|
Across the waste of waters she calls and calls to me. |
|
Her sword is girded at her side, her helmet on her head, |
|
And round her feet are lying the dying and the dead. |
|
I hear the noise of battle, the thunder of her guns, |
|
I haste to thee my mother, a son among thy sons. |
|
And there's another country, I've heard of long ago, |
|
Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know; |
|
We may not count her armies, we may not see her King; |
|
Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering; |
|
And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase, |
|
And her ways are ways of gentleness, and all her paths are peace. |
