The Banner of Reform

REFORM!  there's magic in the name that thrills the heart with fire,
All hail!  thou priceless gem, bequeathed from many a hoary sire,
   Again o'er Britain's bounds
   The glorious word resounds,
And far and near, o'er hill and dale, Hope's brazen trumpet sounds;
While angel voices swell the cry, amid the rising storm, -
"Unfurl, once more, ye British hearts, the Banner of Reform!"

Eternal Justice, radiant in her splendour, cometh down;
Enwreaths, with flowers of amaranth, the Banner of Renown.
   And shouts from earth to sky -
   "Oppression, thou shalt die!
Awake, ye toiling millions!  lo, your freedom draweth nigh!"
While angel voices swell the cry, amid the rising storm, -
"Unfurl, once more, ye British hearts, the Banner of Reform!"

Hark to the universal throb of myriad hearts around!
Hark to the mighty measured tread on Manhood's battle ground!
   Their cause is Freedom's right -
   In Freedom's cause they fight;
And patriot heroes proudly tower among their ranks of might;
While angel voices swell the cry, amid the rising storm, -
"Unfurl, once more, ye British hearts, the Banner of Reform!"

O dawning of a blessed day!  O rosy, golden morn!
When Labour shall no longer brook Oppression's glance of scorn -
   When, calm and nobly grand,
   Her voice of stern command,
Shall thunder through our Senate halls, and echo o'er the land!
While guardian angels swell the cry, as sunshine rules the storm -
"All hail, the glory of our Isle - the Banner of Reform!"

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Copyright © 2001, Jack Campin