When the dying flame of day <br />Through the chancel shot its ray, <br />Far the glimmering tapers shed <br />Faint light on the cowled head; <br />And the censer burning swung, <br />Where, before the altar, hung <br />The crimson banner, that with prayer <br />Had been consecrated there. <br />And the nuns' sweet hymn was heard the while, <br />Sung low, in the dim, mysterious aisle. <br /> <br /> "Take thy banner! May it wave <br /> Proudly o'er the good and brave; <br /> When the battle's distant wail <br /> Breaks the sabbath of our vale. <br /> When the clarion's music thrills <br /> To the hearts of these lone hills, <br /> When the spear in conflict shakes, <br /> And the strong lance shivering breaks. <br /> <br /> "Take thy banner! and, beneath <br /> The battle-cloud's encircling wreath, <br /> Guard it, till our homes are free! <br /> Guard it! God will prosper thee! <br /> In the dark and trying hour, <br /> In the breaking forth of power, <br /> In the rush of steeds and men, <br /> His right hand will shield thee then. <br /> <br /> "Take thy banner! But when night <br /> Closes round the ghastly fight, <br /> If the vanquished warrior bow, <br /> Spare him! By our holy vow, <br /> By our prayers and many tears, <br /> By the mercy that endears, <br /> Spare him! he our love hath shared! <br /> Spare him! as thou wouldst be spared! <br /> <br /> "Take thy banner! and if e'er <br /> Thou shouldst press the soldier's bier, <br /> And the muffled drum should beat <br /> To the tread of mournful feet, <br /> Then this crimson flag shall be <br /> Martial cloak and shroud for thee." <br /> <br />The warrior took that banner proud, <br />And it was his martial cloak and shroud!<br /><br />Henry Wadsworth Longfellow<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/hymn-of-the-moravian-nuns-of-bethlehem-at-the-co/
