The dawn with heavy scent is sweet,
The petals shower their gold
In soft abandon at its feet
New glory to unfold.
’Tis seen in Afric’s torrid clime,
Yet, though it bloometh there,
Its spirit dreameth of the time
It drank of Austral’s air.
Dear national flower, an emblem thou
Of what our children need;
To train with love their hands to do
Each day some golden deed.
AUSTRAL’S SONG.
Lo! from her long sleep of ages
Austral now awakes;
Hear the glorious strains ye sages,
Her glad morning breaks.
Borne afar across the water
Trembling to the sky,
List! For Britain’s royal daughter
Chants her song of joy.
’Mid terrestrial constellations
May her statesmen shine;
Weld, O Lord, her vast foundations
With the link divine.
Righteousness be her attendant,
Majesty her throne,
Liberty her shield resplendent,
Equity her crown.
Guard her army and her navy,
Citadel and fleet,
Vanquish all her foes, we pray thee,
Lord, if it be meet.
May she ever be sustained
In her darkest hour;
Grant that peace be e’er maintained
By Thy grace and power.
Hark! the grand refrain is swelling,
Thrilling every ear;
Lord of hosts, within Thy dwelling
Holy Spirit, hear.
Though earth’s empires all must crumble,
Suns and systems wane,
In magnificence, yet humble,
Long may Austral reign.
I KNOW NOT.
I know not if my future years will be
With sorrow crowned,
Or if in solitude unknown to thee
I may be bound.