THE DEATH RIDE

SIT stern in your saddles! grip tighter each blade
We charge thro' their guns, or thro' blood we shall 
            wade!
To-day win a glory that never shall fade.
                Old England for ever!   Hurrah!

O the lightning of life!    O the thunder of steeds !
Great thoughts burn within us like fiery seeds,
Swift to flame out a red fruitage of deeds.
                Old England for ever!   Hurrah!

O the wild joy of Warriors going to die,
All Sword, and all Flame, with our brows lifted 
            high!
Ride on, happy band, for thy glory swims nigh.
                Old England for ever!   Hurrah!

Chariots of fire in the dark of death stand;
To crown all who die for their own dear land:
My God, what a time ere we come hand to hand!
                Old England for ever!   Hurrah!

The Sea of Flame wraps us now! take one long 
            breath,
And plunge for the prize of Immortals, beneath.
Silence the cannonade, shouting to Death:
                Old England for ever!   Hurrah!

Spring to now! dash thro' now! and cleave crest 
            and crown!
For each foe round you strown now, a wreath of 
            renown!
In a red rain of Sabres ride down, dash them down.
                Old England for ever!   Hurrah!

Charge back! once again we must ride the deathride,
You Victor-few smiling in terrible pride!
Charge home! smoking hell of horse, grim, glorified !
                Old England for ever!   Hurrah!

Now cheer for the living! now cheer for the dead
Now cheer for the deed on that hill-side red!
The glory is gathered for England's head.
                Old England for ever!   Hurrah!