Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, GOD SAVE THE NATION!, by THEODORE TILTON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

GOD SAVE THE NATION!, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Thou who ordainest, for the land's salvation
Last Line: With peace elysian!
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


THOU who ordainest, for the land's salvation,
Famine, and fire, and sword, and lamentation,
Now unto Thee we lift our supplication, --
O, save the Nation!
By the great sign foretold of Thy appearing,
Coming in clouds, while mortal men stand fearing,
Show us, amid the smoke of battle clearing,
Thy chariot nearing.

By the brave blood that floweth like a river,
Hurl Thou a thunderbolt from out Thy quiver!
Break Thou the strong gates! every fetter shiver!
Smite and deliver!

Slay Thou our foes, or turn them to derision!
Then, in the blood-red Valley of Decision,
Clothe Thou the fields, as in the prophet's vision,
With peace Elysian!





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