“God’s Will Be Done”

[Written for The American.]

“God’s will be done!” Ah, yes, God’s will be done!
And he was God’s own noble son:
One who was fit to work his Father’s will,
One whose good name will live until
     Worlds are no more.

Ah Death, where is thy sting when nations bring
Tributes of love, while children sing
And angel voices swell the chorus sweet
That man through ages shall repeat—
     “Nearer my God.”

What fitter tribute than a strong man’s tears
And humble prayers to Him who hears
The smallest one, that He will help us be
Like one who at Eternity
     Bade us good-bye.

Our hearts’ own love for dear ones left behind:
God grant a solace they may find
In Thy sweet love, and mem’ries of the son
Who, when his noble life was done
     Went to his God.

We have built in our heart of hearts a hall
That ever at dear Mem’ry’s call
Shall thrill with the tenderness of the love
For one who in that Hall above
     Prays for his land.

Honor his name till the world is no more.
Looking back from that distant Shore,
He blesses the flag that he loved so well;
Under whose glory he lived and fell,
     God by his side.