Part 1 — FOR THE EMPIRE.
Reading edition
BY F. HARALD WILLIAMS.
It is no more place and party, It is no more begging votes; But the roaring of steam-packets, And a rushing of bluejackets And a rally of redcoats; For the Empire's will is hearty, Thundered by united throats.
We are sick of talk and treason, There is duty to be done; By the veteran in danger, And the lad who is a stranger Unto strife and shrinks from none; In the power of right and reason, Now all classes are but one.
We have suffered and have yielded, Till we felt the burning shame; And long outrage and endurance Are our glory of assurance To begin the bloody game; By our honour are we shielded, In the might of England's name.
It is no more fume of faction, It is no more weary calls; We are strong in faith and steady, With the sword of Justice ready And our iron men and walls; Since the hour has struck for action, And red retribution falls.
We have wrongs, which for redressing Cry aloud to God at last; It is woe to him who trifles When we speak across our rifles At the great and final cast; And we seek no other blessing Than the blotting out the past.
We will brook no new denial, We will have no second tale; And we seek no sordid laurels, But here fight the ages' quarrels And for freedom's broadening pale— Lo, an Empire on its trial, Hangs within the awful scale.