A Hymn Of Empire

By Arthur Conan Doyle

(Coronation Year, 1911)     God save England, blessed by Fate,     So old, yet ever young:     The acorn isle from which the great     Imperial oak has sprung!     And God guard Scotland's kindly soil,     The land of stream and glen,     The granite mother that has bred     A breed of granite men!     God save Wales, from Snowdon's vales     To Severn's silver strand!     For all the grace of that old race     Still haunts the Celtic land.     And, dear old Ireland, God save you,     And heal the wounds of old,     For every grief you ever knew     May joy come fifty-fold!     Set Thy guard over us,     May Thy shield cover us,     Enfold and uphold us     On land and on sea!     From the palm to the pine,     From the snow to the line,     Brothers together     And children of Thee.     Thy blessing, Lord, on Canada,     Young giant of the West,     Still upward lay her broadening way,     And may her feet be blessed!     And Africa, whose hero breeds     Are blending into one,     Grant that she tread the path which leads     To holy unison.     May God protect Australia,     Set in her Southern Sea!     Though far thou art, it cannot part     Thy brother folks from thee.     And you, the Land of Maori,     The island-sisters fair,     Ocean hemmed and lake be-gemmed,     God hold you in His care!     Set Thy guard over us,     May Thy shield cover us,     Enfold and uphold us     On land and on sea!     From the palm to the pine,     From the snow to the line,     Brothers together     And children of Thee.     God guard our Indian brothers,     The Children of the Sun,     Guide us and walk beside us,     Until Thy will be done.     To all be equal measure,     Whate'er his blood or birth,     Till we shall build as Thou hast willed     O'er all Thy fruitful Earth.     May we maintain the story     Of honest, fearless right!     Not ours, not ours the Glory!     What are we in Thy sight?     Thy servants, and no other,     Thy servants may we be,     To help our weaker brother,     As we crave for help from Thee!     Set Thy guard over us,     May Thy shield cover us,     Enfold and uphold us     On land and on sea!     From the palm to the pine,     From the snow to the line,     Brothers together     And children of Thee.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
This poem is an eloquent and impassioned tribute to the nations of the then British Empire, invoking divine protection and blessing for each one. In terms of structure, the poem employs a regular rhythm and a consistent rhyme scheme, while using repetition, particularly in the refrain, to underscore its central themes of unity, brotherhood, and divine guidance. Each nation is presented with distinct and evocative imagery, reflecting their unique landscapes and character, from the "granite men" of Scotland to the "young giant of the West" Canada.

The tone of the poem is reverent and celebratory, imbued with a sense of pride and hope for the future of these nations under God's protection. This is particularly evident in the poet's plea for "equal measure" and his aspiration to "build as Thou hast willed" over the earth, suggesting a commitment to justice and harmony. The poem also employs personification, notably the metaphor of the "Imperial oak" to represent England, highlighting the country's strength and longevity. Overall, the poem beautifully encapsulates the spirit of unity, diversity, and hope within the British Empire during its coronation year.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.


Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.