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.