Poem by Edwin Gill

The Charter for Ever Shall Weather the Storm

AIR — “OLD ENGLAND FOR EVER SHALL WEATHER THE STORM”

O Freedom! thy absence has long been lamented,
	And thy sons now have set all their hopes on the sea,
In a bark called the Charter — for liberty bound,
	The port where the millions are happy and free.

Though the darkness of night may at present surround us,
	The clouds shall disperse — and appear the bright morn;
And thou, blessed freedom, shall tell the glad story —
	The Charter for ever shall weather the storm.

Our captain, O’Connor, was ever true to us,
	And our bark has the stars for her compass - and guide,
Whilst our crew are a set of sterling brave fellows,
	Who laugh at the storm, and its fury deride.

Then hurrah for the Charter, the good ship we sail in, 
	Till the waves shall engulf us, no fears shall deform;
But like a sea-bird, her whole voyage, shall be glorious — 
	The Charter for ever shall weather the storm.

Though the quicksands of “Humbug” are laid in our way,
	And “Tyrannical rocks” oppose us in our course;
Though “Treacherous blasts” our tight bark are assailing,
	Triumphant she sails, nor shrink we from their force.

Oh! no! for each heart is with pure freedom burning,
	“No surrender” our cry, while we treat foes with scorn;
And hark! the high heavens re-echo the cry —
	The Charter for ever shall weather the storm!

Sheffield

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