Page:Poems of the Great War - National Relief Fund.djvu/41

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37

HYMN BEFORE ACTION


THE earth is full of anger,
   The seas are dark with wrath,
The Nations in their harness
   Go up against our path:
Ere yet we loose the legions—
   Ere yet we draw the blade,
Jehovah of the Thunders,
   Lord God of Battles, aid!

High lust and froward bearing,
   Proud heart, rebellious brow—
Deaf ear and soul uncaring,
   We seek Thy mercy now!
The sinner that forswore Thee,
   The fool that passed Thee by,
Our times are known before Thee—
   Lord, grant us strength to die!

From panic, pride and terror,
   Revenge that knows no rein,
Light haste and lawless error,
   Protect us yet again,