Four things, Almighty God, I ask

For England in her awful task.

The passionate heart of one who fights,

Compassionate even when she smites.

Set lips, and close, from which shall fall

Speech, grave and pure, if speech at all.

Hands bloody -- since it must be! -- seen,

By Thee, indubitably clean.

Eyes, which though dimmed with blood, or tear,

Or the dark shadow itself, see clear.

Four things I ask: four things and one --

The mind that was in Christ Thy Son.

So well equipped shall England stand,

Arisen again at Heaven's command.

So view her from Thy seat above,

God! full of noble wrath -- and love.