Poems (Storrie)/A Patriotic Song

by Agnes Louisa Storrie

A Patriotic Song.

Australia! heiress of the years,
 Set in thy circling ocean,
Dear native land! by this right hand
 I pledge thee my devotion.

Here is mine arm for thy defence,
 True as the cross above thee.
Here is my brain to work thee gain,
 Here is my heart to love thee.

I take thy wattle for my badge
 And worthily I'll wear it.
Its plume of gold no slave shall hold,
 No coward spirit share it.

The six stars of thy virgin flag
 At English hearth fires lighted
Shall never wane while they remain
 To Truth and Honour plighted.

Thine upward path no foot hath trod,
 Its dangers are uncharted;
No eye can see thy destiny,
 Then meet it lion-hearted.

Beside the records of the past,
 Shot through with shame and glory,
Thy sons shall write in all men's sight
 Indelibly thy story.

And seal it with their patriot blood
 When thick thy foes assail thee,
The sun shall wear to darkness ere
 Australian hearts shall fail thee.

Chorus.

Australia! heiress of the years
 Set in thy circling ocean,
Dear native land! by this right hand
 I pledge thee my devotion.