TENNYSON'S ENGLISH AND COLONIAL NATIONAL SONG.

Kumara Times, Issue 1751, 11 May 1882, Page 2

TENNYSON'S ENGLISH AND COLONIAL NATIONAL SONG.

The Government have received, through the Agent-General, a copy of an English and Colonial national song, entitled, "Hands all Round," by the Poet Laureate (Alfred Tennyson), set to music, with a request from the Royal Colonial Institute that the wish of the Poet Laureate may be carried out, and the song publicly sung in the colony on the Queen's Birthday. It run 3 thus in the first draft, though it has been slightly altered for the sake of singing:— "First pledge our Queen, this solemn night, "Then drink to England every gaest, " That man's the best cosmopolite, " Who loves his native country best \ " May Freedom's oak for ever live, •' With larger life from day to day : " That man's the true conservative " Who lops the mouldered branch away. " Hands all round! God the traitor's hope confound ! "To the great cause of Freedom drink,. my friend, " And the great name of England round and round. " To all the loyal hearts who long " To keep our English Empire whole ! " To all our noble sons, the strong " New England of the Southern Pole ! " To England under [ndian skies, " To those dark millions of her realm! " To Canada whom we love and prize, " Whatever statesman holds the helm. " Hands all round ! God the traitor's hopo confound ! " To the great name of England, drink, my friends, " And all her glorious colonies rouud and round. " To all our statesmen so they bo " True leaders of the land's desire! " To both our Houses, may they see " Beyond the borough and the shire ! " We sailed wherever ship could sail, " We founded many a mighty State, "Pray God our greatness may not fail " Through craven fears of being great. • Hands all round ! God the traitor's hope confound! .* ' "To the great cause of Freedom drink. my friends, " And the great name of England round and round." A. Tennyson.