Samuel Lover

“Defense, But Not Defiance”

Song for the Rifle Volunteers 
of Great Britain in General

Come, let our silver bugles ring—
 (The gift of grateful beauty)
Whene'er they call we'll gaily spring
 To do a soldier's duty.
Our banner fair a vow records
 On which we build reliance,
To guide our aim, to bless our swords—
 "Defence, but not Defiance."

Chor.
   Then let our silver bugles ring, &c.


Our banner yet unchalleng'd flies,
 A homely motto bearing,
Long may it float in peaceful skies—
 Record no deed of daring;
To Britain's ancient glory we
 May point with safe reliance,
So let our quiet motto be—
 "Defence, but not Defiance."

Chor.
   Then let our, &c.


Let Victory spread her crimson wing
 At despots' dark invoking,
For us—to war we'll never spring
 Unless at dire provoking.
No lust of foreign glory stains
 The Volunteer's affiance,
He would but guard his native plains—
 "Defence, but not Defiance."

Chor.
   Then let our, &c.


Like other dogs, "the dogs of war"
 Have different modes of fighting:
Of one—the bark is worse by far;
 Of t'other—worse the biting.
On such a fight—the money down—
 I'll bet, with safe reliance,
And name the stake—a British crown—
 "Defence" will beat "Defiance."

Chor.
   Then let our, &c.