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 question, the love that stands the test
That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best

The love that never falters, the love that pays the price
The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice
I heard my country calling, away across the sea
Across the waste of waters she calls and calls to me

Her sword is girded at her side, her helmet on her head
And round her feet are lying the dying and the dead
I hear the noise of battle, the thunder of her guns
I haste to thee my mother, a son among thy sons

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;

And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase
And her ways are ways of gentleness, and all her paths are peace