I hear the noise of battle, the thunder of her guns -- 1908

Speranza 1908 I vow to thee my country all earthly things above entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love the love that asks no question, the love that stands the test, that lays upon the altar the dearest and the best; the love that never falters, the love that pays the price, the love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice. I heard my country calling, away across the sea, across the waste of waters she calls and calls to me. her sword is girded at her side, her helmet on her head, and round her feet are lying the dying and the dead. I hear the noise of battle, the thunder of her guns, I haste to thee my mother, a son among thy sons. and there's another country, I've heard of long ago, most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know; we may not count her armies, we may not see her King; her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering; and soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase, and her ways are ways of gentleness, and all her paths are peace. Set by Gustav Holst. The origin of this anthem is the poem by diplomat Cecil Spring-Rice which he wrote in 1908 whilst posted to the British Embassy in Stockholm. It was then called "Urbs Dei; or, The Two Fatherlands", and it described how a Christian owes his loyalties to both his homeland and the heavenly kingdom.