Recessional (A Victorian Ode)

By Rudyard Kipling

God of our fathers, known of old —

 Lord of our far-flung battle line —

Beneath whose awful hand we hold

 Dominion over palm and pine —

Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,

Lest we forget — lest we forget!

The tumult and the shouting dies —

 The Captains and the Kings depart —

Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,

 An humble and a contrite heart.

Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,

Lest we forget — lest we forget!

Far-called our navies melt away —

 On dune and headland sinks the fire —

Lo, all our pomp of yesterday

 Is one with Nineveh and Tyre!

Judge of the Nations, spare us yet,

Lest we forget — lest we forget!

If, drunk with sight of power, we loose

 Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe —

Such boastings as the Gentiles use,

 Or lesser breeds without the Law —

Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,

Lest we forget — lest we forget!

For heathen heart that puts her trust

 In reeking tube and iron shard —

All valiant dust that builds on dust,

 And guarding calls not Thee to guard.

For frantic boast and foolish word,

Thy Mercy on Thy People, Lord!

                             Amen.