Old Poetry Poetry Poets Essays Forums

Recessional (A Victorian Ode)

God of our fathers, known of old —
 Lord of our far-flung battle line —
Beneath whose awful hand we hold
 Dominion over palm and pine —
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget — lest we forget!

The tumult and the shouting dies —
 The Captains and the Kings depart —
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,
 An humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget — lest we forget!

Far-called our navies melt away —
 On dune and headland sinks the fire —
Lo, all our pomp of yesterday
 Is one with Nineveh and Tyre!
Judge of the Nations, spare us yet,
Lest we forget — lest we forget!

If, drunk with sight of power, we loose
 Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe —
Such boastings as the Gentiles use,
 Or lesser breeds without the Law —
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget — lest we forget!

For heathen heart that puts her trust
 In reeking tube and iron shard —
All valiant dust that builds on dust,
 And guarding calls not Thee to guard.
For frantic boast and foolish word,
Thy Mercy on Thy People, Lord!
                             Amen.

Leave a guest comment (subject to review)

    : Comment:

    Name: (required)
    Email: (required, hidden from spam)

Comments

  • Catressa
    December 8, 2006

    Edit | Reply

    Beautiful

    Lest we Forget...

    I actually own a copy of this Recessional.. My Mother for Christmas every year buys me books..
    I have a love for them that started when I was a child digging around in my Grandmother's basement. Since then I have collected 100's. Included in this are seven of his books published in 1899.

    This though.. ah.. how it speaks to my heart.

  • whiffenpoof
    March 29, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Lord God of Hosts be with us yet, Lest We Forget- lest we forget. have any words more profound than these ever been written?