English poem
The Call of England
by Owen Seaman (1861–1936)
Come, all ye who love her well, Ye whose hopes are one with hers, One with hers the hearts that swell When the pulse of memory stirs; She from whom your life ye take Claims you; how can you forget? Come, your honour stands at stake! Pay your debt!
By her sons that hold the deep, Nerves at strain and sinews tense, Sleepless-eyed that ye may sleep Girdled in a fast defence;— By her sons that face the fire Where the battle-lines are set— Give your country her desire! Pay your debt!
He that, leaving child and wife In our keeping, unafraid, Goes to dare the deadly strife, Shall he see his trust betrayed? Shall he come again and find Hollow cheeks and eyelids wet? Guard them as your kith and kind! Pay your debt!
Sirs, we should be shamed indeed If the bitter cry for bread, Children's cries in cruel need, Rose and fell uncomforted! Ah, but since the patriot glow Burns in English bosoms yet, Twice and thrice ye will, I know, Pay your debt!