THE SONS OF THE SEA-GIRT ISLES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1321, 24 June 1897, Page 33

THE SONS OF THE SEA-GIRT ISLES.

*. The gathering hosts together come, Proclaimed by clarion, trump and drum, Revisiting their fathers' Home, To hail the auspicious day. From distant climes assembled all, Surrounding this terrestrial ball, Responsive to their Sovereign's call, Who own her regal away. From north, from south, from east and west, The gathering squadrons move abreast j From darK ravine and mountain crest, And India's sultry plain. Canada contributed her host; Australia, too —the Nation's boast— And from Zealandia's sea-girt coast, And islands of the main. From A fric's sunny lands they hie, The ocean broad takes up the cry, And still the mountain-tops reply, Where giant eagles soar ; From peaceful climes and shores they hail, From where the frequent storms prevail, And from tho coasts of Innisfail, Where ocean billows roar. Throughout the world where oceans sweep Her sons their constant vigils keep. On strong foundations, broad and deep, 'lhe mighty Empire stands ; Encircling tho solid earth, Her children hail tho Land of Birth, United, each to each, by girth, Stronger, than iron bauds.

Oh, Britain, towering in thy might! Still valiantly defend tho iiight; Untarnished be thine honour bright, Proud Empress of the Sea ! The suppliant's hope, the tyrant's dread, Pursue the course our fathers led, Benignly be thine influence shed On lands less blessed than thine.

Father Supreme, whose Will ordains, " By whom our rightful Sovereign reigns," And, under Thee, our liight maintains, . We supplicate Tby throne. May sho, in midst of earthly care, In answer to the Nation's prayer, Thy strength in full fruition share, Bereaved, but not alone.

Oh, Thou who didst on earth appear The lonely and tho sad to cheer, Whose signs tho midnight shepherds hoar, And tremble at tho sight, Extend Thine influence afar, Silence the dread machines of war. Then peace, like a bright Morning Star, Shall chase tho clouds of Night.

Thou Mighty One ! Thou Prince of Peace ! Thine Empire o'er the world increase, And from its thrall the earth release Thy Royal liight maintain ; linpci us with o'ermasterijg grace, Impress thine image, on our rare, So shall wo truly seek thy face, And peaco shall over reign. J. Yovaa Wellington.