Let no cur bark, or spurt
Defilement, trying to tarnish this fair fame;
No Alien drag our Banner through the dirt
Because it blazons England's noble name.
Upon the lips of Praise
They lay their own hands, saying, _"We have not won
Great battles for you, nor Immortal bays,
But what your boys were given to do is done!"_
When Clouds were closing round
The Island-home, our Pole-star of the North,
Australia fired her Beacons--rose up crowned
With a new dawn upon the ancient earth.
For us they filled a cup
More rare than any we can brim to them!
The patriot-passion did so lift men up,
They looked as if each wore a diadem!
Best honours we shall give,
If to that loftier outlook still we climb;
And in our unborn children there shall live
The larger spirit of this great quickening time.
To-day is the Women's day!
With them there's no more need o' the proud disguise
They wore when their young heroes sailed away;
Soft smiles the dewy fire in loving eyes!
And, when to the full breast,
O mothers! your re-given ones you take,
And in your long embraces they are blest,
Give them one hug at heart for England's sake.
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