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I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above, |
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Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love; |
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The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test, |
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That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best; |
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The love that never falters, the love that pays the price, |
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The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice. |
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I heard my country calling, away across the sea, |
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Across the waste of waters, she calls and calls to me. |
| [6] |
Her sword is girded at her side, her helmet on her head, |
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And around her feet are lying the dying and the dead; |
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I hear the noise of battle, the thunder of her guns; |
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I haste to thee, my mother, a son among thy sons. |
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And there's another country, I've heard of long ago, |
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Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know; |
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We may not count her armies, we may not see her King; |
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Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering; |
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And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase, |
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And her ways are ways of gentleness, and all her paths are peace. |
