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! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE: 6 by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING LOVERS HOW THEY COME AND PART by ROBERT HERRICK PAN'S PIPING by ALCAEUS OF MESSENE LOVE'S BLINDNESS by ALFRED AUSTIN TWILIGHT TIME by ANNA MCINTOSH BEVILLE MY BATH by JOHN STUART BLACKIE |