Hymn Before Action
Hymn Before Action - context Summary
Composed During the Boer War
Written in the form of a hymn, the poem presents a collective prayer before battle. It calls on the “Lord God of Battles” for aid, confesses national pride and wrongdoing, and asks for courage and willing sacrifice. It also pleads mercy for allied or conquered peoples of different faiths, offering to bear blame. The piece reflects Kipling’s wartime mindset and engagement with duty, faith, and imperial conflict.
Read Complete AnalysesThe earth is full of anger, The seas are dark with wrath, The Nations in their harness Go up against our path: Ere yet we draw the blade, Jehovah of the Thunders, Lord God of Battles, aid! High lust and froward bearing, Proud heart, rebellious brow -- Deaf ear and soul uncaring, We seek My mercy now! The sinner that forswore Thee, The fool that passed Thee by, Our times are known before Thee -- Lord, grant us strength to die! For those who kneel beside us At altars not Thine own, Who lack the lights that guide us, Lord, let their faith atone! If wrong we did to call them, By honour bound they came; Let not Thy Wrath befall them, But deal to us the blame.
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