WHEN the dying flame of day | |
| Through the chancel shot its ray, | |
| Far the glimmering tapers shed | |
| Faint light on the cowlèd head; | |
| And the censer burning swung, | 5 |
| Where, before the altar, hung | |
| The crimson banner, that with prayer | |
| Had been consecrated there. | |
| And the nuns’ sweet hymn was heard the while, | |
| Sung low, in the dim, mysterious aisle. | 10 |
| |
| “Take thy banner! May it wave | |
| Proudly o’er the good and brave; | |
| When the battle’s distant wail | |
| Breaks the sabbath of our vale, | |
| When the clarion’s music thrills | 15 |
| To the hearts of these lone hills, | |
| When the spear in conflict shakes, | |
| And the strong lance shivering breaks. | |
| |
| “Take thy banner! and, beneath | |
| The battle-cloud’s encircling wreath, | 20 |
| Guard it, till our homes are free! | |
| Guard it! God will prosper thee! | |
| In the dark and trying hour, | |
| In the breaking forth of power, | |
| In the rush of steeds and men, | 25 |
| His right hand will shield thee then. | |
| |
| “Take thy banner! But when night | |
| Closes round the ghastly fight, | |
| If the vanquished warrior bow, | |
| Spare him! By our holy vow, | 30 |
| By our prayers and many tears, | |
| By the mercy that endears, | |
| Spare him! he our love hath shared! | |
| Spare him! as thou wouldst be spared! | |
| |
| “Take thy banner! and if e’er | 35 |
| Thou shouldst press the soldier’s bier, | |
| And the muffled drum should beat | |
| To the tread of mournful feet, | |
| Then this crimson flag shall be | |
| Martial cloak and shroud for thee.” | 40 |
| |
| The warrior took that banner proud, | |
| And it was his martial cloak and shroud! | |
| |
