Not Understood and Other Poems/New Zealand Hymn

by Thomas Bracken

 

NEW ZEALAND HYMN.

 

GOD of nations! at Thy feet
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
  God defend our Free Land.
Guard Pacific’s triple star
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
  God defend New Zealand.

Men of every creed and race
Gather here before Thy face,
Asking Thee to bless this place,
  God defend our Free Land.
From dissension, envy, hate,
And corruption, guard our State,
Make our country good and great,
  God defend New Zealand.

Peace, not war, shall be our boast,
But should foes assail our coast,
Make us then a mighty host,
  God defend our Free Land.
Lord of battles, in Thy might,
Put our enemies to flight,
Let our cause be just and right,
  God defend New Zealand.

May our mountains ever be
Freedom’s ramparts on the sea,
Make us faithful unto Thee,
  God defend our Free Land.
Guide her in the nation’s van,
Preaching love and truth to man,
Working out Thy glorious plan,
  God defend New Zealand.