* THE PRAYER *

O God of Battles! Lord of Might!

A sentry, in the silent night,

I,‘ oo‘ ave never prayed,

Kneel on the dew-damp sands, to say,

O see me through the comin’ day —

But, please remember, though I pray,

That I am not afraid!

O God of Battles! Lord of Might!

‘ Ere in the dusky, starry light,

My inner self I've weighed;

An’ I‘ ave seen my guilt an’ sin;

I'm black as black can be, within,

But though I would forgiveness win,

It ai n't‘ cos I'm afraid!

O God of Battles! Lord of Might!

Keep me, to-morrow, in Your sight!—

Far‘ ave I erred an’ strayed.

I've flaunted You, with gibe an’ sneer,

At‘ ome, with chums to laugh and cheer,

But now, I am alone — out‘ ere!

But still I ai n't afraid!

O God of Battles! Lord of Might!

The en'my' s camp-fires twinkle bright.

To-morrow, Lord, Your aid;

The canteen was my Sunday-school:

The drill-book was my Golden Rule;

Wot are they now? O‘ elpless fool!

But still, I'm not afraid!

O God of Battles! Lord of Might!

The price of every thoughtless slight

To-morrow will be paid!

A voice is whisp'rin’ to my‘ eart —

A voice that makes me sweat an’ start!—

‘ To-morrow, soul an’ soldier part!’

But I — I'm not afraid!

O God of Battles! Lord of Might!

‘ Ere, in the silence of the night,

My‘ umble prayer is prayed!

All life an’ death are one to you!

If I must die — O‘ elp me to!

In that last moment, see me through —

My God! I am afraid!