England, in this great fight to which you go <br />Because, where Honour calls you, go you must, <br />Be glad, whatever comes, at least to know <br />You have your quarrel just. <br /> <br />Peace was your care; before the nations' bar <br />Her cause you pleaded and her ends you sought; <br />But not for her sake, being what you are, <br />Could you be bribed and bought. <br /> <br />Others may spurn the pledge of land to land, <br />May with the brute sword stain a gallant past; <br />But by the seal to which <br />you <br />set your hand, <br />Thank God, you still stand fast! <br /> <br />Forth, then, to front that peril of the deep <br />With smiling lips and in your eyes the light, <br />Steadfast and confident, of those who keep <br />Their storied 'scutcheon bright. <br /> <br />And we, whose burden is to watch and wait,- <br />High-hearted ever, strong in faith and prayer,- <br />We ask what offering we may consecrate, <br />What humble service share. <br /> <br />To steel our souls against the lust of ease; <br />To bear in silence though our hearts may bleed; <br />To spend ourselves, and never count the cost, <br />For others' greater need;- <br /> <br />To go our quiet ways, subdued and sane; <br />To hush all vulgar clamour of the street; <br />With level calm to face alike the strain <br />Of triumph or defeat; <br /> <br />This be our part, for so we serve you best, <br />So best confirm their prowess and their pride, <br />Your warrior sons, to whom in this high test <br />Our fortunes we confide.<br /><br />Sir Owen Seaman<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/pro-patria-2/
