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