“Men whispered that our arm was weak,
Men said our blood was cold,
And that our hearts no longer speak
The clarion-note of old;
But let the spear and sword draw near
The sleeping lion’s den,
His island shore shall start once more
To life with armèd men.”
_BRITAIN_ (_continuing_):
Nor think, O Belgium, that thy bravery and thy chivalry count for
naught.
“Whatever men have done, man may,--
The deeds you wrought are not in vain!”
(_To_ FRANCE): Not only do I guard the ocean with my fleets; I bring
here my children to aid you in upholding justice, truth and liberty.
England, what is thy message?
_ENGLAND_ (_saluting_):
Ready!
“Old England’s sons are English yet,
Old England’s hearts are strong;
And still she wears her coronet
Aflame with sword and song.
As in their pride our fathers died,
If need be, so die we;
So wield we still, gainsay who will,
The sceptre of the sea.”
_BRITAIN_:
“England, stand fast; let heart and hand be steady; Be thy first word
thy last,--Ready, aye, ready!”