The Poetical Works of William Motherwell/The Covenanters' Battle Chant
The Covenanter's Battle Chant.
To battle! to battle!
To slaughter and strife!
For a sad, broken Covenant
We barter poor life.
The great God of Judah
Shall smite with our hand,
And break down the idols
That cumber the land.
Uplift every voice
In prayer, and in song;
Remember! the battle
Is not to the strong:—
Lo, the Ammonites thicken!
And onward they come,
To the vain noise of trumpet,
Of cymbal and drum.
They haste to the onslaught,
With hagbut and spear;
They lust for a banquet
That's deathful and dear.
Now, horseman and footman,
Sweep down the hill-side:
They come, like fierce Pharaohs,
To die in their pride!
See, long plume and pennon
Stream gay in the air;
They are given us for slaughter—
Shall God's people spare?
Nay, nay; lop them off—
Friend, father, and son;
All earth is athirst till
The good work be done.
Brace tight every buckler,
And lift high the sword!
For biting must blades be
That fight for the Lord.
Remember, remember,
How Saints' blood was shed,
As free as the rain, and
Homes desolate made!
Among them!—among them!
Unburied bones cry;
Avenge us—or like us,
Faith's true martyrs die.
Hew, hew down the spoilers!
Slay on, and spare none:
Then shout forth in gladness,
Heaven's battle is won!