I stood alone atop a mighty hill,
And scanned the lower plains in length and girth.
That scene with awe my trembling heart did fill,
As I beheld the glory of the Earth.

I came again, by nght, to that high hill,
And gazed at the heavens with wond'ring eye,
That scene with praise of God my heart did fill,
As I beheld the glory of the Sky.

But when I at the last shall climb that hill,
And hear the trumpets sound in sweet accord,
That scene with awe, praise, joy, my heart shall fill,
As I behold the glory of the Lord.

I heard the roar of the distant sea,
I had to go, 'twas calling me.
I walked unsteadily, down to the edge,
And there, to God, I made my pledge.
"However active, however tired,
"I'll serve my country till I die,
"Within my strength, within my power,
"I'll serve my Queen until death's hour."

I saw the rising of the far off sun,
A gorgeous sight that did me stun;
I walked a mile to stand 'neath its beam       .
And repeated almost in a dream:
"However active, however tired,
"I'll serve my country till I die,
"Within my strength, within my power,
"I'll serve my Queen until death's hour."

And then the day of war began,
And I was but a strong young man.
I went to fight, I know not why,
For with a knife in my bosom I did die.
"However active, however tired,
"I had served my country till I died,
"Within my strength, within my power,
"I had served my Queen until death's hour."