English poem
KOeRNER'S BATTLE PRAYER.
by Eugene Field
FATHER, I cry to Thee! Round me the billows of battle are pouring, Round me the thunders of battle are roaring; Father on high, hear Thou my cry,— Father, oh, lead Thou me!
Father, oh, lead Thou me! Lead me, o'er Death and its terrors victorious,— See, I acknowledge Thy will as all-glorious; Point Thou the way, lead where it may,— God, I acknowledge Thee!
God, I acknowledge Thee! As when the dead leaves of autumn whirl round me, So, when the horrors of war would confound me, Laugh I at fear, knowing Thee near,— Father, oh, bless Thou me!
Father, oh, bless Thou me! Living or dying, waking or sleeping, Such as I am, I commit to Thy keeping: Frail though I be, Lord, bless Thou me! Father, I worship Thee!
Father, I worship Thee! Not for the love of the riches that perish, But for the freedom and justice we cherish, Stand we or fall, blessing Thee, all— God, I submit to Thee!
God, I submit to Thee! Yea, though the terrors of Death pass before me, Yea, with the darkness of Death stealing o'er me, Lord, unto Thee bend I the knee,— FATHER, I cry to Thee!