A BLOOD-BOUGHT LAND

 A BLOOD-BOUGHT LAND 

 

Beyond the ring of castled crags

That shield the gentle, rolling, hills 

A red-white cross flutters fierce

Flutters o'er a blood-bought land

 Over a people shaped by grace

Forged from fiery tribes to make

A single stern yet kindly race

Discipled by Christ’s enlightened reign 

For nigh on twice a thousand years

Grace has lapped these noble shores

Vanquished foes, delivered hope

Tamed cruel kings and shook off popes

Bravely wafts that standard still 

Where faith has flown down every stream

Overspilled to flood the earth

 Brought goodly words

To blood-bought worlds.




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