Our Lady of Britannia

Our Lady of Britannia

Thou stood on Newgate Arch and graced Pendragon’s shield
Cardigan bore thy taper and Walsingham thy seal
Humbly we now beseech thee as at thy feet we kneel:
Our Lady of Britannia, ora pro nobis!

Thy beads hung from the sword-belts of Locksley’s merry band,
Thy Dowry thou defended when Alfred made his stand
Seven Swords were pierced through thy heart, and one was in thy hand
Our Lady of Britannia, ora pro nobis!

Thy hands are in the Highlands to show us how to pray
Thy footprints are in Cornwall to guide us in Christ’s ways
Direct us, Star of Ocean, if from this Path we stray
Our Lady of Britannia, ora pro nobis!

Thou art the Dove of Peace, through centuries of pain,
The Queen of Thorns and Blossoms, who suffered much the same
Thou art the Gilded Lamp that held the Burning Flame
Our Lady of Britannia, ora pro nobis!

Recall the martyrs’ deaths in Christ’s own imitation
Come rack and then come rope, they braved the tribulation
The ruby blood they shed cries out in supplication:
Our Lady of Britannia, ora pro nobis!

Remember these, thy people, amidst the stormy sea
O may they stand united, in truth and charity,
Place in our hearts the image of Jesus Christ and thee
Our Lady of Britannia, ora pro nobis!

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