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Song For St. George's Day

St. George for merry England!
  Fair 'fall the cross of red,
Beneath whose folds, unyielding
  In fight our forebears bled.
The four wild-winged angels
  Have seen it steadfast soar,
The forefront of the armies
  When strong men ride to war.

St. George for merry England!
  On all breezes blown,
We give it loyal greeting;
  We hail it for our own:
The flag whose name is honour,
  That floats not o'er the slave;
Liege-lord of all the navies
  That climb the crested wave.

St. George for merry England!
  God guard the cross of red,
The pride of England's servants,
  The pall of England's dead!
And when our wrath shall bid it
  Shake forth its folds on high,
May England's flag triumphant
  Lead on to victory!

Notes

From THE FOREMOST TRAIL, by Cicely Fox Smith, published by Sampson Low, Marston & Co., London, UK, © 1899, p. 55.

Contributed by Ian "Nobby" Dye of Bristol, UK.

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Comments


  • I-Like-Rhymes Moderators member
    June 19, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I'm sure Miss Fox Smith and St. George would be aghast at the behaviour of those currently waving the flag of St. George in Germany this month.
    A timely reminder of the true meaning of our own red cross.