Oh God of earth and altar,
We need thee by our side.
Our horses shake their halters
To chaos they shalt ride.
God today we leave our ground,
And walk into our death
Battle horns behind they sound,
As we take our final breaths
The war drums sound more throbbing,
Our hearts do not condemn.
The screech of arrows sobbing,
Taking foes down with them.
Men today I turn to thee,
To aid me in this fight.
For, today is going to be,
Our last moment of light.
Put all our force together,
And fight the enemy.
No storm or heavy weather,
Will rock the boats you’ll see.
The time has come to draw thy swords,
And engage the fearful strife!
Today we’re fighting for our lord,
To repay him for our life.
O God of earth and altar
Bow down and hear our cry
Our earthly rulers falter
Our people drift and die
The walls of gold entomb us
The swords of scorn divide
Take not thy thunder from us
But take away our pride.
(G.K. Chesterton: English hymnal)
