Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry.
Volume VIII. National Spirit. 1904. | | | | I. Patriotism | | The Nation’s Prayer | | Crammond Kennedy (1842–1918) |
| | [1861]
I. BEFORE Thy Throne we bow: | |
| O God, our shield be Thou | |
| From Treason’s rage! | |
| In faith we look to Thee, | |
| Our strength in Heav’n we see, | 5 |
| Defender of the free, | |
| In ev’ry age. | |
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II. Our follies we confess: | |
| O God, forgive and bless! | |
| Let Mercy’s light | 10 |
| Illumine this dark hour, | |
| When war clouds o’er us lower, | |
| And Thine eternal power | |
| Defend the right! | |
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III. Our Pilgrim fathers sleep, | 15 |
| The ocean, broad and deep, | |
| Beside their graves. | |
| When Thine archangel cries, | |
| Forbid that they should rise | |
| To crowns in Paradise | 20 |
| From soil of slaves! | |
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IV. Protect our armies, Lord, | |
| And when they draw the sword | |
| In freedom’s name, | |
| Strike Thou for them the blow, | 25 |
| Overwhelm the vaunting foe, | |
| And bury Treason low, | |
| In deathless shame! | |
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V. Let Liberty arise, | |
| Her glory fill the skies, | 30 |
| The world be free! | |
| Let all adore Thy name, | |
| And children lisp Thy fame— | |
| Let earth and heav’n proclaim | |
| The jubilee! | 35 | | | |
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