Richard Chenevix Trench (1807–1886)

ENGLAND, we love thee better than we know.—

And this I learn’d when, after wand’rings long

’Mid people of another stock and tongue,

I heard again thy martial music blow,

And saw thy gallant children to and fro

Pace, keeping ward at one of those huge gates,

Twin giants watching the Herculean Straits.

When first I came in sight of that brave show,

It made the very heart within me dance,

To think that thou thy proud foot shouldst advance

Forward so far into the mighty sea.

Joy was it and exultation to behold

Thine ancient standard’s rich emblazonry,

A glorious picture by the wind unroll’d.