Poems of the Great War/The Vigil

by Henry Newbolt

For other versions of this work, see The Vigil (Newbolt).

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 dead
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 they silence ruth,
Commune with the voice of truth;
England! on thy knees to-night
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 yet
By their great example set,
Here beside thine arms to-night
Pray that God defend the Right.

So shalt thou when morning comes
    Rise to conquer or to fall,
Joyful hear the rolling drums,
    Joyful hear the trumpet's call.
Then let memory tell thy heart;
"England! what thou wert, thou art!"
Gird thee with thine ancient night,
Forth! and God defend the Right!

HENRY NEWBOLT