‘ Tis now, as we tighten the girth, ‘ Tis now, as we buckle the sword, When bitterness hardens our mirth, ‘ Tis now that we seek you, O Lord!
Give us hope now the future is black, From fatuous arrogance ward — The words that we cannot hold back! Give peace in our time, O Lord!
You know of the hate — folly born; You know of the wrath — money bred; The impotent rage, and the scorn, The trust and the faith that are dead.
Lest sorrow should spring from the land — The crop of the seed of the sword — O, stay the imperious hand; Give peace in our time, O Lord!
‘ Tis good when the man loves the land, ‘ Tis good when he falls for his creed, But woe to the hate that is fanned By folly begotten of greed.
When the weak become foolishly strong, When peoples, unwitting, applaud,— The folly wrought wrong — still is wrong! Give peace in our time, O Lord!
When the voice in the senate is stilled; When the councillor speaks in a tent; When the lands are untended, untilled; What use if the stubborn relent?
What gain will the simpleton's shame, The shrifts and lamentings, afford? To-day, on their conduct, the blame; Give peace in our time, O Lord!
Give peace: that is rooted in Right. Give peace: that is strengthened by Grace. Give peace: that we stand in your sight, Thrice over a justified race.
‘ Tis peace — and with honour — we need, And the child of our child shall award The praise for our failing, or deed. Give peace in our time, O Lord!
Cookies on Poetry Cove