| |
| LET the Rhine be blue and bright | |
| In its path of liquid light, | |
| Where the red grapes fling a beam | |
| Of glory on the stream; | |
| Let the gorgeous beauty there | 5 |
| Mingle all that ’s rich and fair; | |
| Yet to me it ne’er could be | |
| Like that river great and free, | |
| The Thames! the mighty Thames! | |
| |
| Though it bear no azure wave, | 10 |
| Though no pearly foam may lave, | |
| Or leaping cascades pour | |
| Their rainbows on its shore; | |
| Yet I ever loved to dwell | |
| Where I heard its gushing swell, | 15 |
| And never skimmed its breast | |
| But I warmly praised and blest | |
| The Thames! the mighty Thames! | |
| |
| Can ye find in all the world | |
| A braver flag unfurled | 20 |
| Than that which floats above | |
| The stream I sing and love? | |
| O, what a burning glow | |
| Has thrilled my breast and brow, | |
| To see that proud flag come | 25 |
| With glory to its home, | |
| The Thames! the mighty Thames! | |
| |
| Did ribs more firm and fast | |
| Ere meet the shot or blast | |
| Than the gallant barks that glide | 30 |
| On its full and steady tide? | |
| Would ye seek a dauntless crew | |
| With hearts to dare and hands to do? | |
| You ’ll find the foe proclaims | |
| They are cradled on the Thames; | 35 |
| The Thames! the mighty Thames! | |
| |
| They say the mountain child | |
| Oft loves its torrent wild | |
| So well, that should he part | |
| He breaks his pining heart; | 40 |
| He grieves with smothered sighs | |
| Till his wearying spirit dies; | |
| And so I yearn to thee, | |
| Thou river of the free, | |
| My own, my native Thames! | 45 |
| |
