Rudyard Kipling
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 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!