Glimpses of Antiquity Being a collection of metrical sketches, in the form of ballads, lyrics, &c., with main reference to mediaeval times or classical subjects. By George F. Preston [i.e. J. B. L. Warren] |
 |
A HYMN OF VICTORY. |
|
 | Glimpses of Antiquity |  |
76
A HYMN OF VICTORY.
Anthems of victory, hymns of praise,
Sing at each altar's steps and shrine!
We have prevailed! By help divine
Our swords are wreathed with conquering bays.
Sing at each altar's steps and shrine!
We have prevailed! By help divine
Our swords are wreathed with conquering bays.
Beat drums, and let the clarion's note
Awake the echoes of the town,
Responsive to its sons' renown,
Who mightily their foemen smote.
Awake the echoes of the town,
Responsive to its sons' renown,
Who mightily their foemen smote.
Beat drums! and let the trumpet's sound
Wake echoes in the hearts of men,
Wake welcomes from each citizen,
For those who come in victory crowned.
Wake echoes in the hearts of men,
Wake welcomes from each citizen,
For those who come in victory crowned.
Now wave our standards at the gate,
From every casement peers a face;
On pass we to the market-place,
'Mid ermined councillors that wait.
From every casement peers a face;
On pass we to the market-place,
'Mid ermined councillors that wait.
77
Fair maidens scatter roses fast:
Upon our helmets favours shower,
A riband here, and there a flower,
Sweet meed and praise for dangers past.
Upon our helmets favours shower,
A riband here, and there a flower,
Sweet meed and praise for dangers past.
O God, our warrior! to thine arm,
Not to our might, be glory given:
Else vainly had we fought and striven
To save dear Freedom clear from harm.
Not to our might, be glory given:
Else vainly had we fought and striven
To save dear Freedom clear from harm.
Hark! through the vast cathedral porch,
To grand Te Deums swelling loud,
In civic pomp the burghers crowd;
While priest with censer and with torch,
To grand Te Deums swelling loud,
In civic pomp the burghers crowd;
While priest with censer and with torch,
In slow procession, entering, tread
Through fretted aisles with rafters high,
From which the bursts of psalmody
Swell towards the throne of God o'erhead!
Through fretted aisles with rafters high,
From which the bursts of psalmody
Swell towards the throne of God o'erhead!
| Glimpses of Antiquity | |