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The Vigil

England! where the sacred flameBurns before the inmost shrine,Where the lips that love thy nameConsecrate their hopes and thine,Where the banners of thy deadWeave their shadows overhead,Watch beside thine arms to-night,Pray that God defend the Right.
Think that when to-morrow comesWar shall claim command of all,Thou must hear the roll of drums,Thou must hear the trumpet's call.Now before they silence ruth,Commune with the voice of truth;England on thy knees to-nightPray that God defend the Right.
Hast thou counted up the cost,What to foeman, what to friend?Glory sought is Honour lost,How should this be knighthood's end?

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