England. This Sceptred Island, this other eden. this seat or Mars

Music by Sir Hubert Parry, words by William Shakespeare paraphrased by Sir Esme Howard. Sir Hubert Parry was, of course, the composer of the music for 'Jerusalem' . This Royal throne of kings, this sceptred island, This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars, This fortress built by Nature for her purpose, Against infection and the hand of wars: This demi--Paradise, this other Eden, This precious stone set in a silver sea, This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England We highly dedicate, O Lord, to Thee. Grant, Lord, that England and her sister nations, Together bound by the triumphant sea, May be renowned through all recorded ages For Christian service and true chivalry