285 

 COEONATION ODE.* 



Is there a man of British birtli, 



No matter how or where he fares, 

 Who does not feel to-dav the worth 



Of all he is and all he shares. 

 What though he walk 'neath alien skie^', 



The old traditions 'round him cling, 

 The patriot spirit in him cries 



Aloud, God save our Gracious King ! 



The monai'ch, with majestic rites, 



Assumes his vast inheritance, 

 The vows and pledges he recites, 



Which consecrate him to advance 

 The glory of this ancient throne, — 



A splendid but a solemn thing, 

 He needs a strength beyond his own, 



Wherefore we pray, God bless the King ! 



The reverent service, praise and song 



Of those in supplication bowed, 

 The countless multitudes who throng 



The streets, the plaudits of the crowd. 

 The beacon fires on every peak 



Which through the night their radiance fling : 

 All these one aspiration speak, 



May God preserve and guard the King ! 



In far-off lands and distant coasts 



Unnumbered hearts rejoice to-day. 

 Thanksgivings rise from wondrous hosts 



Who gladly live beneath his sway. 

 Wishes and hopes, like homing birds, 



Fly through the world on eager wing ; 

 And loyalty, in deeds and words. 



Delights to say, God keep the King ! 



May he live long. And may the crown 



Derive new lustre from his reign. 

 Let honour, righteousness, renown. 



His glorious legacy remain. 

 Our heai'ts are his. It is our pride 



And joyful privilege to sing- 

 In weal or woe, whate'er betide, 



We love, and may God bless, the King ! 



Gertrude Darlow. 

 Los Angeles^ California. 



* This fine ode from across the Atlantic was composed by its gifted 

 aixthor for Coronation Day, June 26th, and readied the Editor's hands on 

 the eve of the actual Coronation, August 9th. To its merit and oppor- 

 tuneness it owes its place in this Volume for 1002. 



