FOR BELGIUM! THE PRAYER OF THE ALLIES (Written for “King Albert’s Book”)
Reading edition
“What shall we do for our Sister in the day when she shall be spoken of? If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver.” Song of Solomon.
Maker of Heaven and Earth, Thou, who hast given birth To moving millions of pre-destined spheres, Thou, whose resistless might Resolves the Wrong to Right Missing no moment of the measured years— Behold, we come to Thee! We lift our swords, unsheath’d, towards Thy throne— Look down on us, and see Our Sister-Nation, ruined and undone! Martyred for nobleness, for truth and trust; Help us, O God, to raise her from the dust! Be Thou our witness, Lord! We swear with one accord Swift retribution on her treacherous foe! Her bitter wrong is ours And heaven’s full-armèd powers Shall hurl her murderer to his overthrow! Upon her broken wall A silver palace of sweet peace shall rise At that high Festival When Victory’s signal flashes through the skies— But—until then!—welcome the fiercest fray! We fight for Freedom! God, give us “The Day”!