"THE PITCAIRN NATIONAL ANTHEM - 1870"

by George Hunn Nobbs

Lady Belcher, in her 1871 book, "The Mutineers of the Bounty", indicated that the following poem by Nobbs was set to the air of Roussea's Dream, and was considered by the Pitcairners to be their National Anthem at that time.

Mid the mighty Southern Ocean
Stands an isolated rock,
Blanched by the surf's commotion,
Riven by the lightening's shock.
Hark those strains to heaven ascending,
From those slopes of vivid green,
Old and young their voices blending-
God preserve Britannia's queen!

Who are these whose aspirations
With such ardor greet the ear?
Sons, whose sires wrought consternation,
Daughters of the Mutineer.
Yet those sires were ne'er disloyal,
Though they curbed a tyrant's sway;
Their children with affection loyal
Hail Victorias natal day!

Ha that flash you grove illuming,
Long impervious to the sun,
How the quick report comes booming
From the ocean's rescued gun!
Now the bell is gayly ringing
Where yon white-robed train are seen
Now they all unite in singing-
God preserve your gracious queen!