by Henry F. Chorley.
Originally published in Howitt's Journal (William & Mary Howitt) vol.1 #4 (23 Jan 1847).
No. I.—England's River.
A health from every English lip
To England's royal River!
And may its stream flow broad and deep,
And treasure for our country keep,
For ever and for ever.
Let those who watch for our decay
Believe the wheel is turning:
For all they plan, for all they pray,
While THAMES is still the world's highway,
We need not put on mourning.
Chorus.—A health from every English lip, &c.
The Rhine is jovial 'mid the vines
Of purple Autumn glowing;
The Rhone like arrowy lightning shines;
And dark, amid its haughty pines,
Is Danube hoarsely flowing.
The strange New World hath giant streams,
With each its thousand daughters;
But none may match for Poet's dreams,
Or Memory's grave and lofty themes,
Old THAMES! thy royal waters!
Chorus.—A health from every English lip, &c.
Bear hence our gallant sons, who yearn
To grace their country's story;
Renown in distant climes to earn
With hands that strive, and hearts that learn,
And hopes that point to glory!
From East and West, and South and North,
Bring all their worthiest hither,
To warm them at the Briton's hearth,
And join his carol, "Peace on earth!
The olive ne'er can wither!"
Chorus.—A health from every English lip, &c.