SONG—THE BANNER OF OLD ENGLAND.

SONG FOR THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY—1838.

     Raise high the broad Banner!
     Old England’s broad banner!
That waves its Red Cross over every sea;
     With hearts firm and loyal,
     Cheer loud for the Royal—

The famed Royal Standard, the Flag of the Free!
And where its loved folds are triumphantly seen,
Let the rallying cry be: “GOD SAVE ENGLAND’S QUEEN!”

     God prosper that Banner!
     That red Saxon Banner!

’Tis England’s—’tis ours; far away though we be
     From that Isle of the Ocean,
     Our heart’s fond devotion
Is with her—with England—the Home of the Free! [Page 198]
That Flag makes the moments of Danger serene,

For it floats o’er the Home of VICTORIA OUR QUEEN!

     Long flourish that Banner!
     That proud Saxon Banner!
When Nations and Kingdoms go down to decay;
     May Peace aye surround it,

     As Valor has crowned it,
When foemen unnumbered were smote with dismay.
Three cheers—three times three—for the time-honored sheen
Of that Banner, the Flag of VICTORIA OUR QUEEN!

     Then up with the Banner!

     Our broad Red Cross Banner!
The banner renowned by both Saxon and Gael;
     Brave Celts fought victorious,
     On fields hot and glorious,
Beneath that broad Banner, on mountain and vale.

Let ALL gather round its loved, conquering screen,
With a true British cry for “VICTORIA OUR QUEEN!” [Page 199]