God of the First and Last and Best
Lord of the land and sea,
Aid us now in our warlike quest
Whereso'er we be.
King, who outkings all earthly kings
Guide every heart and hand;
Lead us aright by day or night
O'er trench or desert sand.
Ours is the hope to win the fight
And set the whole world free:
Thine is the everlasting might
That holds the final Key
To that great Door of Fortune's gloom
Which never stands ajar,
But swings unceasing to and fro
On deeds that men call War.
The clangour and the clash of arms
Make hideous each day;
The earth is marred, and scorched, and torn,
While hazards throng each way;
Great Father, look upon Thy sons
Who strive to do thy will,
And teach us best to merit Rest
Hard by thy Holy Hill.
23rd July 1917
William Richard Torvaney
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/before-battle/
