Fwd: Recessional

Recessional

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 boasting 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.    

-- Rudyard Kipling