2-982-283 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"England Over All", 1858. 'Little England Great in story! Mother of immortal men! Great in courage! Great in glory! Dear to Freedom's tongue and pen! If the world combine to brave thee, English hearts will dare the fight - English hands will glow to save thee, Strong for England and the right - England over all, Whatso'er befall! If we live or die, This shall be our cry - England over all! England over all! aye this shall be our cry - England over all! Weaker nations, over zealous, May desire thine overthrow; Selfish tyrants, vainly jealous, May conspire to strike thee low. Let them strive with armies banded, Let them plot with fool and knave, England, strong, and single-handed, Shall defy them to enslave! England over all, Whatsoe'er befall! If we live or die, This shall be our cry - England over all! England, first in art and science, First in letters, first in fame - Earth's example and reliance, Free and worthy of the name. Realms, the light of Freedom spurning, Rise and fall and pass away; England, with that lantern burning, Stands superior to decay. England over all, Whatsoe'er befall! This shall be our cry, If we live or die - England over all!'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.