The tumult and the shouting dies—
The captain and the kings depart—
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget.
Far-called our navies melt away—
On dune and headland sinks the fire—
Lo, all our pomp of yesterday
Is one with Nineveh and Tyre.
Judge of the Nations, spare us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget.
If, drunk with sight of power, we loose
Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe—
Such boasting as the Gentiles use,
Or lesser breeds without the Law—
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget.
For heathen heart that puts her trust
In reeking tube and iron shard—
All valiant dust that builds on dust,
And guarding calls not Thee to guard,—
For frantic boast and foolish word,
Thy mercy on Thy people, Lord. Amen.
Rudyard Kipling.
SELECTION XXI
HUMAN PROGRESS
All is action, all is motion,
In this mighty world of ours;
Like the current of the ocean,
Man is urged by unseen powers.
Steadily, but strongly moving,
Life is onward evermore;
Still the present is improving
On the age that went before.
Duty points with outstretched fingers,
Every soul to action high;
Woe betide the soul that lingers—
Onward! onward! is the cry.