Lexington has been allotted by providence to meet the first blow, to offer the first sacrifice. Thus far hath the Lord helped us.
[Parker comes forward quickly, but Clark stops him, lifting his hands to the heavens and crying out:]
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory!”
[Parker bows his head.]
As to what is still before us, we do not anxiously inquire nor proudly prophesy. Our cause is just.
Parker
They must come back from Concord.
Clark
That is true. Carry the dead into God’s house. Blessed be the name of the Lord!
[He has shouted this last. The people begin to pick up the dead and to carry them toward the Meeting House whither Parker and Clark walk together. The music strikes into a march, as solemn and grand as any march can be and the Chorus sings:]