Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

STANZAS; BRITAIN AGAINST THE WORLD by THOMAS HOOD

Poet Analysis

First Line: WITH THE GOOD OF OUR COUNTRY BEFORE US
Last Line: "BE IT ""BRITAIN AGAINST ALL THE WORLD."
Subject(s): GREAT BRITAIN - FOREIGN RELATIONS; PATRIOTISM;
WITH the good of our country before us,
Why play the mere partisan's game?
Lo! the broad flag of England is o'er us,
And behold on both sides 'tis the same!

Not for this, not for that, not for any,
Not for these, not for those, but for all, --
To the last drop of blood, -- the last penny --
Together let's stand, or let's fall!

Tear down the vile signs of a fraction,
Be the national banner unfurl'd, --
And if we must have any faction, --
Be it "Britain against all the world."



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