Star of our fathers, known of old,
Spirits of our far-flung battle-line,
Beneath whose light we hold
Dominion over palm and pine—
Ghosts of our fathers, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!
Far-called, our navies melt away;
On dune and headland sinks the fire:
Lo, all our pomp of yesterday
Is one with Nineveh and Tyre!
Star of the Nation, spare us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget
For heathen heart that puts her trust
In reeking tube and iron shard,
All valiant dust that builds on dust,
And guarding, calls not Thee to guard,
For frantic boast and foolish word—
Stars mercy on Thy People, Lord!