Theodore Goodridge Roberts (1877–1953)

YE who reckon with England—

Ye who sweep the seas

Of the flag that Rodney nailed aloft

And Nelson flung to the breeze—

Count well your ships and your men,

Count well your horse and your guns,

For they who reckon with England

Must reckon with England’s sons.

Ye who would challenge England—

Ye who would break the might

Of the little isle in the foggy sea

And the lion-heart in the fight—

Count well your horse and your swords,

Weigh well your valour and guns,

For they who would ride against England

Must sabre her million sons.

Ye who would roll to warfare

Your hordes of peasants and slaves,

To crush the pride of an empire

And sink her fame in the waves—

Test well your blood and your mettle,

Count well your troops and your guns,

For they who battle with England

Must war with a Mother’s sons.