<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="center" class="head">The Vigil</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line"><span class="smallcaps">England</span>! where the sacred flame</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">Burns before the inmost shrine,</p><p class="line">Where the lips that love thy name</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">Consecrate their hopes and thine,</p><p class="line">Where the banners of thy dead</p><p class="line">Weave their shadows overhead,</p><p class="line">Watch beside thine arms to-night,</p><p class="line">Pray that God defend the Right.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Think that when to-morrow comes</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">War shall claim command of all,</p><p class="line">Thou must hear the roll of drums,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">Thou must hear the trumpet's call.</p><p class="line">Now, before thy silence ruth,</p><p class="line">Commune with the voice of truth;</p><p class="line">England! on thy knees to-night</p><p class="line">Pray that God defend the Right.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Single-hearted, unafraid,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">Hither all thy heroes came,</p><p class="line">On this altar's steps were laid</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">Gordon's life and Outram's fame.</p><p class="line">England! if thy will be yet</p><p class="line">By their great example set,</p><p class="line">Here beside thine arms to-night</p><p class="line">Pray that God defend the Right.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">So shalt thou when morning comes</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">Rise to conquer or to fall,</p><p class="line">Joyful hear the rolling drums,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">Joyful hear the trumpets call,</p><p class="line">Then let Memory tell thy heart:</p><p class="line">"England! what thou wert, thou art!"</p><p class="line">Gird thee with thine ancient might,</p><p class="line">Forth! and God defend the Right!</p></div><p class="byline">Henry Newbolt</p></body></html> · Great War