Page:Masterpieces of German literature volume 5.djvu/256

 204 PRAYER DURING BATTLE (1813)

, I call to thee.

The roaring artillery's clouds thicken round me,

The hiss and the glare of the loud bolts confound me.

Ruler of battles, I call on thee:

Father, lead thou me!

Father, lead thou me;

To victory, to death, dread Commander, guide me;

The dark valley brightens when thou art beside me;

Lord, as thou wilt, so lead thou me.

God, I acknowledge thee.

God, I acknowledge thee;

When the breeze through the dry leaves of autumn is moaning,

When the thunder-storm of battle is groaning,

Fount of mercy, in each I acknowledge thee.

Father, bless thou me!

Father, bless thou me;

I trust in thy mercy, whate 'er may befall me;

'Tis thy word that hath sent me; that word can recall me.

Living or dying, bless thou me!

Father, I honor thee.

Father, I honor thee;

Not for earth's hoards or honors we here are contending;

All that is holy our swords are defending;

Then falling, and conquering, I honor thee.

God, I repose in thee.

God, I repose in thee;

When the thunders of death my soul are greeting,

When the gashed veins bleed, and the life is fleeting,

In thee, my God, I repose in thee.

Father, I call on thee.