God of our fathers, known of old,

Representative text

As printed in The Church Hymnal (1941), no. 505 — the newest hymnal carrying it.

Verse 1

God of our fathers, known of old, Lord of our far-flung battle line, Beneath whose awful hand we hold Dominion over palm and pine, Lord God of hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget, lest we forget.

Verse 2

The tumult and the shouting dies; The captains and the kings depart; Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice, A humble and a contrite heart. Lord God of hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget, lest we forget.

Verse 3

Far called, our navies melt away; On dune and headland sinks the fire; Lo, all our pomp of yesterday Is one with Nineveh and Tyre! Judge of the nations, spare us yet, Lest we forget, lest we forget.

Verse 4

If, drunk with sight of power, we loose Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe, Such boastings as the Gentiles use, Or lesser breeds without the law — Lord God of hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget, lest we forget.

Verse 5

For heathen heart that puts her trust In reeking tube and iron shard; All valiant dust that builds on dust, And, guarding, calls not Thee to guard, For frantic boast and foolish word, Thy mercy on Thy people, Lord.