Hymn of the Moravian Nuns of Bethlehem Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

When the dying flame of day
Through the chancel shot its ray,
Far the glimmering tapers shed
Faint light on the cowled head;
And the censer burning swung,
Where, before the altar, hung
The crimson banner, that with prayer
Had been consecrated there.
And the nuns' sweet hymn was heard the while,
Sung low, in the dim, mysterious aisle.

        "Take thy banner! May it wave
        Proudly o'er the good and brave;
        When the battle's distant wail
        Breaks the sabbath of our vale.
        When the clarion's music thrills
        To the hearts of these lone hills,
        When the spear in conflict shakes,
        And the strong lance shivering breaks.

        "Take thy banner! and, beneath
        The battle-cloud's encircling wreath,
        Guard it, till our homes are free!
        Guard it! God will prosper thee!
        In the dark and trying hour,
        In the breaking forth of power,
        In the rush of steeds and men,
        His right hand will shield thee then.