England! where the sacred flame <br />Burns before the inmost shrine, <br />Where the lips that love thy name <br />Consecrate their hopes and thine, <br />Where the banners of thy dead <br />Weave their shadows overhead, <br />Watch beside thine arms to-night, <br />Pray that God defend the Right. <br /> <br />Think that when to-morrow comes <br />War shall claim command of all, <br />Thou must hear the roll of drums, <br />Thou must hear the trumpet's call. <br />Now, before thy silence ruth, <br />Commune with the voice of truth; <br />England! on thy knees to-night <br />Pray that God defend the Right. <br /> <br />Single-hearted, unafraid, <br />Hither all thy heroes came, <br />On this altar's steps were laid <br />Gordon's life and Outram's fame. <br />England! if thy will be yet <br />By their great example set, <br />Here beside thine arms to-night <br />Pray that God defend the Right. <br /> <br />So shalt thou when morning comes <br />Rise to conquer or to fall, <br />Joyful hear the rolling drums, <br />Joyful tear the trumpets call, <br />Then let Memory tell thy heart: <br />'England! what thou wert, thou art!' <br />Gird thee with thine ancient might, <br />Forth! and God defend the Right!<br /><br />Sir Henry Newbolt<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-vigil-3/
