The Old Noble Flag

It`s only a small bit of bunting,
It`s only an old coloured rag,
Yet thousands have died for its honour
And shed their best blood for the flag.

It`s charged with the cross of St Andrews,
Which, of old, Scotland`s heroes has led:
It carries the cross of St Patrick,
For which Ireland`s bravest have bled.

Joined with these is the English ensign,
St George`s red cross on the white field,
Round which, from King Richard to Wellington,
Britons conquer or die, but ne`er yield.

We hoist it to show our devotion
To our Queen, to our country and laws
It`s the outward and visible emblem
Of advancement and liberty`s cause.

You may say it`s an old bit of bunting,
You may call it an old coloured rag;
But the freedom has made it majestic,
And time has ennobled our flag.