The Canterbury Pilgrims
Three half-score years ago-no more,
Since Godley stood upon the shore,
A leader of the Pilgrims bold,
Who framed the New upon the Old,
And stamp’d the Old upon the New,
‘Neath speckless skies of sunny blue.
Three half-score years- and can this be?
‘Tis but a ripple on the sea
Of Time: Oh! what a wondrous change,
Since o’er the ridge of yonder range
Hope led the Pilgrims, firm and true,
‘Neath speckless skies of sunny blue.
They saw, from the yonder mountain’s brow,
Plains yearning from spade and plough:
And where the naked rivers ran,
Vales waiting to be dressed by man:
Their help all Nature seemed to woo,
‘Neath speckless skies of sunny blue.
They gave the breeze that fann’d the foam
Sweet farewell sighs to carry Home:-
But though old Albion was dear,
They saw a fairer England here
Awaiting them, the dauntless few,
‘Neath speckless skies of sunny blue.
Behold their work! Revere their names!
Green pastures set in golden frames.
Around the City of the Stream.
Fulfil the Pilgrim’s brightest dream:
With them a fairer England grew
‘Neath speckless skies of sunny blue.
by Thomas Bracken 1870
Thomas Bracken was an Irish-born New Zealand poet, journalist and politician.
He wrote “God Defend New Zealand”, one of the two national anthems of New Zealand.