Good Hope

Good Hope! Since white men's banners First met the seaward breeze, Since first the keels of Europe Swept round to unploughed seas, Fated through generations With strong-limb'd foes to cope, Your lot has been for ever To live and work in hope. Good Hope! Though wild and weary The pathway through the years, Paven with grief and labour And dim with mists of tears, Go forth, go forth and conquer, Though ways be dark and long; Be true, as ye are stalwart; Be brave, as ye are strong! Good Hope! O far-off kindred, Strive onward, heart and soul, Welding the severed fragments To one imperial whole! Good Hope! Through flying vapours Red dawns the distant light: Strike home - for Queen and Empire, And God defend the right!