Classic Poem

OF THE SOLDIERS OF MAHOMET .

On the verge of war we stand,
Pouring forth our fervent prayer;
Pois'd each banner, brac'd each hand,
Death or conquest all our care.
Conscious of superior might,
Panting, glowing for the fight.

In the cause of heaven we war;
Heaven beholds with favouring eye;
Dangers, carnage, death we dare;
Lift the Koran to the sky!
That shall lead to just acclaim!
That the rallying post of fame!

Power above! one gracious nod
To our fervent prayers bestow!
God of armies, thundering God!
Thou shalt lead us to the foe!
Plaudits to thy name we give,
May thy name for ever live!

Glowing with celestial ire,
Rush we furious to the field;
Thousands from our wrath retire,
Thousands bleed, and thousands yield:
We all human force defy,
We the favourites of the sky.

Shall the brave of toils complain,
Toils the radiant powers accord?
Sweet are dangers, sweet is pain,
Suffer'd for our heart's reward:
Bashful maids our suit approve,
Heightening all the zest of love.

Should some deadly wound be given,
Fall we; but again to rise!
Mounting as a spear to Heaven,
Holy warriors claim the skies:
Every bliss awaits us there,
Seas of pleasure drown our care!

Blooming, black-eyed, smiling graces
All their blissful charms bestow;
Each her amorous lord embraces,
Swooning on her breast of snow:
Rapture every sense engages,
Rapture of a thousand ages!

Power above! one gracious nod
To our fervent prayers bestow!
God of armies, thundering God!
Lead us, lead us to the foe:
Plaudits to thy name we give,
May thy name for ever live!