A thousand years by sea and land <br />Our race hath served the island kings, <br />But not by custom's dull command <br />To-day with song her Empire rings: <br /> <br />Not all the glories of her birth, <br />Her armed renown and ancient throne, <br />Could make her less the child of earth <br />Or give her hopes beyond our own: <br /> <br />But stayed on faith more sternly proved <br />And pride than ours more pure and deep, <br />She loves the land our fathers loved <br />And keeps the fame our sons shall keep.<br /><br />Sir Henry Newbolt<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/victoria-regina/
