PENNED ON THE 10TH OF SIGISMUND’s END, 1884
The banks of the Petra
~Circa, 1880~
Oh, Petra! Let your maternal waters flowth o’er banks and across the land
And Petra, deep and wide water; land of my forefathers
I shall not betray you, I shall stand and I am at your command
And I shall be buried on your banks
Petra, flowing water!
Bring wealth, health, and liberty
To every true son and daughter
Let your waters run free, ne’er ice-o’er, or run dry
Like the bounty of your fields and fens
From valley low to hillside high
Let your freedom ring!
Petra, flowing water!
Bring wealth, health, and liberty
To every true son and daughter
Those few, true who kneel to drink from her banks
Let their wits be e’er sharp, and swords sharper
To stand as a fellow in her proud ranks
Is the greatest honour of all
Petra, flowing water!
Bring wealth, health, and liberty
To every true son and daughter
When I die, I wish to be buried in her green hills
And if I ride home no more
I will ask that honour she fulfills
And I shall ask no more from her
Petra, flowing water!
Bring wealth, health, and liberty
To every true son and daughter
Bring wealth, health, and liberty
To every true son and daughter!
Penned,
The Honourable, Lord Arnaud Halcourt,
Baron d’Artois, Patriarche d'Halcourt