Rise

By Master Hector of the Black Height

The northern forests gave us birth, the north wind said, "be free",

The lone wolf's lope across the hills foreshadowed victory;

And where once a Prince commanded us, his sons our Kings shall be

When above their brows a golden crown shall rise.

Rise, rise, rise!

With the northern sun to warm us and the North Star as our guide,

With the wind-song in my bow-string and a stout blade by my side,

With our children as our future and our legends as our pride

We shall stand; we shall conquer; we shall rise!

The Inland Seas sustained the people, as did glade and glen;

The crystal rivers slaked the thirst of those first here, and then

Came a hunger for our destiny. The feast begins again

When above our King the scarlet banners rise.

Rise, rise, rise!...

For many years we stood as vassals 'gainst the common foe;

We did as we were bid and many lands our valour know,

But today we stand in freedom. In proud freedom strike your blow

When above your head the shining sword does rise.

Rise, rise, rise!...

There was a time that Southron folk our noble name did fear.

The dismal days of silence passed; our destiny is here.

Let us shake the hills in glory: for the Crown and Ealdormere!

Form the shieldwall, draw the bow-string, we arise.

Rise, rise, rise!...

Hear now the word of northern folk, in hall and keep and field;

We are the Northland's treasure, we the sword, the bow, the shield.

We the life-blood, we the sinew, we the heart that shall not yield:

For as long as one still stands the North shall rise!

Rise, rise, rise!

With the northern sun to warm us and the North Star as our guide,

With the wind-song in my bow-string and a stout blade by my side,

With our children as our future and our legends as our pride

We shall stand; we shall conquer; we shall rise!

(copyright Arthur McLean 1991-2000)