Maker of earth and sea, What shall we render Thee?
All things are Thine. Ours but, from day to day, Still with one heart to pray, "God bless our land alway,This land of Thine!"
Mighty in brotherhood, Mighty for God and good,Let us be Thine. Here let the nations see Toil from the curse set free, Labour and libertyOne cause-and Thine.
Here let glad plenty reign; Here let none seek in vainOur help and Thine- No heart, for want of friend,Fail ere the timely end, But love for ever blendMan"s cause and Thine.
Here let Thy peace abide; Never may strife divideThis land of Thine. Let us united stand,
One great Australian band, Heart to heart, hand in hand,Heart and hand Thine
Strong to defend our right,
Proud in all nations" sight,
Lowly in Thine- One in all noble fame, Still be our path the same,Onward in freedom"s name,
Upward in Thine.
- James Brunton Stephens
Author.-James Brunton Stephens (1835-1902) was born in Scotland. He arrived in Australia when 31 years of age, and for a time was tutor to the family of a Queensland squatter. Later, he entered the Queensland Civil Service as Correspondence Clerk, and rose to the position ofUnder- Secretary. His poems, published in his Poetical Works, include some clever humorous verse and some sonorous patriotic poetry.
General Notes.-What does the poet pray will be granted toAustralia? Has he included all the great ideals towards which a nation should strive? Could you add anything else? Are there any signs that we are advancing towards or retreating from the poet"s ideal country? Why is this poem called " An Australian Anthem"? What obligation is there upon the person who prays that something will come to pass? What is meant by "Toil from the curse set free"? How can labour and liberty be united in one cause, and that cause be divine? What is the "right" that we should be strong to defend? Learn to sing this anthem to the fine air composed by Dr. Summers.
