It is not to be thought of that the Flood <br />Of British freedom, which, to the open sea <br />Of the world's praise, from dark antiquity <br />Hath flowed, 'with pomp of waters, unwithstood,' <br />Roused though it be full often to a mood <br />Which spurns the check of salutary bands, <br />That this most famous Stream in bogs and sands <br />Should perish; and to evil and to good <br />Be lost for ever. In our halls is hung <br />Armoury of the invincible Knights of old: <br />We must be free or die, who speak the tongue <br />That Shakespeare spake; the faith and morals hold <br />Which Milton held.-In every thing we are sprung <br />Of Earth's first blood, have titles manifold.<br /><br />William Wordsworth<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/british-freedom/
