Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 1904.

I. Patriotism

The Nation’s Prayer

Crammond Kennedy (1842–1918)

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,

Defender of the free,

In ev’ry age.

Our follies we confess:

O God, forgive and bless!

Let Mercy’s light

Illumine this dark hour,

When war clouds o’er us lower,

And Thine eternal power

Defend the right!

Our Pilgrim fathers sleep,

The ocean, broad and deep,

Beside their graves.

When Thine archangel cries,

Forbid that they should rise

To crowns in Paradise

From soil of slaves!

Protect our armies, Lord,

And when they draw the sword

In freedom’s name,

Strike Thou for them the blow,

Overwhelm the vaunting foe,

And bury Treason low,

In deathless shame!

Let Liberty arise,

Her glory fill the skies,

The world be free!

Let all adore Thy name,

And children lisp Thy fame—

Let earth and heav’n proclaim

The jubilee!