BATTLE ANTHEM.

18. August 2008 by admin.

BY JOHN NEAL.

UP, Christian warrior, up! I hear
The trumpet of the North
Sounding the charge!
Fathers and sons!–to horse!
Fling the old standard forth,
Blazing and large!

And now I hear the heavy tramp
Of nations on the march,
Silent as death!
A slowly-gathering host,
Like clouds o’er yonder arch,
Holding their breath!

Our great blue sky is overcast;
And stars are dropping out,
Through smoke and flame,
Hail-stones, and coals of fire!
Now comes the battle-shout!
Jehovah’s name!

And now the rebel pomp! To prayer!
Look to your stirrups, men!
Yonder rides death!
Now with a whirlwind sweep!
Empty their saddles, when
Hot comes their breath!

As through the midnight forest tears,
With trumpeting and fire,
A thunder-blast,
So, reapers! tear your way
Through yonder camp, until you hear,
“It is enough! Put up thy sword!
O angel of the Lord!
My wrath is past!”

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