In this Thy world, O blessed Christ,
I live but for Thy will,
To serve Thy cause and drive Thy foes
Before Thy banner still.
In rich and stately palaces
I have my board and bed,
But Thou didst tread the wilderness
Unsheltered and unfed.
My gallant squadrons ride at will
The undiscover'd sea,
But Thou hadst but a fishing-boat
On windy Galilee.
In valiant hosts my men-at-arms
Eager to battle go,
But Thou hadst not a single blade
To fend Thee from the foe.
Great store of pearls and beaten gold
My bold seafarers bring,
But Thou hadst not a little coin
To pay for Thy lodging.
The trust that Thou hast placed in me,
O may I not betray,
Nor fail to save Thy people from
The fires of Judgment Day!
Be strong and stern, O heart, faint heart--
Stay not, O woman's hand,
Till by this Cross I bear for Thee
I have made clean Thy land!
V