The Vigil

England! where the sacred flame    Burns before the inmost shrine,

Where the lips that love thy name    Consecrate their hopes and thine,

Where the banners of thy

Weave their shadows overhead,

Watch beside thine arms to-night,

Pray that God defend the Right.

Think that when to-morrow comes    War shall claim command of all,

Thou must hear the roll of drums,    Thou must hear the trumpet's call.

Now, before thy silence ruth,

Commune with the voice of truth;

England! on thy knees

Pray that God defend the Right.

Single-hearted, unafraid,    Hither all thy heroes came,

On this altar's steps were laid    Gordon's life and Outram's fame.

England! if thy will be

By their great example set,

Here beside thine arms

Pray that God defend the Right.

So shalt thou when morning comes    Rise to conquer or to fall,

Joyful hear the rolling drums,    Joyful tear the trumpets call,

Then let Memory tell thy heart:"England! what thou wert, thou art!"Gird thee with thine ancient might,

Forth! and God defend the Right!