History & Politics
God Save the Queen
From The Passing Bell and Other Poems (1868)
God save the Queen! O Lord!
To her Thy strength afford;
Stand Thou between
Her and all ills that may
Darken her glorious day;
Drive every cloud away, —
God save the Queen!
Stablish in Truth her throne,
Make all her cares Thine own,
Thou! Who hast been
Might of her mighty land,
Strength of her sceptred hand,
Rock where her glories stand, —
God save the Queen!
Wide o'er the wide wide world,
England's proud flag, unfurl'd,
Ever be seen;
Shelter of liberty,
Where all mankind may be
Happy and safe and free, —
God save the Queen!
Though England's sons may roam,
Changeless their love of home
Ever has been;
Far from our native shore,
Still we but love it more,
And with one voice implore —
God save our Queen!
Long may her Royal race
England both guard and grace;
Long may be seen
Many a noble shoot
Spring from the Royal root,
Bearing right royal fruit, —
God save the Queen!
What though so late her heart
Writhed in the bitter smart
Of anguish keen!
Now is that heart beguiled,
While round her Children's Child
Sorrow grows soft and mild, —
God save our Queen!
God save the Royal Boy,
Crown all his life with joy,
But far between
Him and his future throne,
Years upon years roll on,
Then, Lord! Thy will be done!—
God save the Queen!
Codex Note
The birth of a Royal Prince having been telegraphed to Rome on Sunday morning, was announced before the general thanksgiving to the English Congregation, whose fervent many-voiced Amen told out their hearty sympathy and joy. The following lines, written that evening, were sung in a large assembly the next night, and for many a night after, at all English parties.
Cite this poem
MLA
Monsell, John S. B. “God Save the Queen.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/monsell/314/.
Chicago
Monsell, John S. B. “God Save the Queen.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/monsell/314/.
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