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I have mentioned at least once before in this column my personal view, which I know many readers do not share, that nothing could be much more banal than the words of our National Anthem unless it is the music. On the former subject I am supported by that ever- green nonagenarian Cambridge poet Mr. Thomas Thomely, who points out that apart from any other defects the National Anthem is out-of=date because it takes no account of the existence of the Commonwealth. That deficiency, which is undeniably serious, he essays to remedy, and I gladly give publicity to the two stanzas which he suggests should replace the present second and third:
"Round his imperial throne States to full stature grown Form an armoured ring. Free as their native air, One in the hopes they share, All join in Britain's prayer, God save the King.
Long may he wear the crown And to its old renown
Fresh glory bring ; Serving all noble ends, Turning past foes to friends, Till from all hearts ascends— God save the King."
That this is incomparably better than the contemptible " frusteate their politics, confound their knavish tricks" verse needs no arguing.
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