Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/391

 INCLUSIVE EDITION, 1885-1918 373

HYMN BEFORE ACTION

1896

'Y'HE 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 forward 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!

For those who kneel beside us

At altars not Thine own, Who lack the lights that guide us,

Lord, let their faith atone! If wrong we did to call them,

By honour bound they came; Let not Thy Wrath befall them,

But deal to us the blame.

From panic, pride, and terror,

Revenge that knows no rein, Light haste and lawless error,

Protect us yet again.