I VOW TO THEE MY COUNTRY
I vow to thee, my country,
all earthly things above,
Entire and whole and perfect,
the service of my love;
The love that asks no questions,
the love that stands the test,
That lays upon the altar
the dearest and the best;
Cecil Spring Rice (1859–1918)
1a
I VOW TO THEE MY COUNTRY
The love that never falters,
the love that pays the price,
The love that makes undaunted
the final sacrifice.
Cecil Spring Rice (1859–1918)
1b
I VOW TO THEE MY COUNTRY
And there's another country,
I've heard of long ago,
Most dear to them that love her,
most great to them that know;
We may not count her armies,
we may not see her King;
Her fortress is a faithful heart,
her pride is suffering;
Cecil Spring Rice (1859–1918)
2a
I VOW TO THEE MY COUNTRY
And soul by soul and silently
her shining bounds increase,
And her ways are ways of gentleness, and all her paths are peace.
Cecil Spring Rice (1859–1918)
2b