A/N: Love to signofthetimes, CB and reviewers.
Firstly, to my British readers: I mean this with all respect and in friendship. I hope very much I have not offended or accidentially crossed any boundaries.
Secondly, this is based on a real song. 'Rule, Britannia' was a popular patriotic hymn in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially with the Royal Navy. That inspired this, and there's a line that directly references it in the song*.
I'm dedicating this one to the original author of the poem, James Thomson, and the composer of the music, Thomas Arne.
Because Wizarding people have their own government and traditions, they presumably have a different canon of patriotic music. There really isn't a national anthem for Wizarding Britain, but this is a popular air to play in moments of national sentiment.
Bellatrix sings this as she helps break the Siege at Castle Krum. It doesn't fit the music of the original, or any tune I know, but I'd love some suggestions.
Hail Britannia, poem by Ataxerxes Black, tune by George Wilkes, circa 1753
Verse One:
Hail, Britannia, strong and free
Land of wizard's liberty
Free from tyrants, free from strife
Wizards guard you with their life
Verse Two:
Hail Britannia, free and brave,
Britons never shall be slaves*
Beacons now to all the rest
Britannia always will be best
Verse Three:
Rule Britannia, rule the air,
Flying high above the rest
Flying bravely, proud and true
Britons always will be there
Verse Four:
Rule Britannia, rule the sea
Wizards always ride on thee
To all four corners of the earth
Sailing boldly, going first
Verse Five:
Shine Britannia, ever on
In peace and plenty
Thy children sing
Let 'Hail Britannia' ever ring!
