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Lines for the Fallen

Song Cycle by Donald Lybbert (1923 - 1981)

1. O, to drown the throat of war!  [sung text not yet checked]

Language: English 
O [for a voice like thunder, and a tongue]1
To drown the throat of war! When the senses
Are shaken, and the soul is driven to madness,
Who can stand? When the souls of the oppressèd
Fight in the troubled air that rages, who can stand?
When the whirlwind of fury comes from the
Throne of God, when the frowns of his countenance
Drive the nations together, who can stand?
When Sin claps his broad wings over the battle,
And sails rejoicing in the flood of Death;
When souls are torn to everlasting fire,
And fiends of Hell rejoice upon the slain,
O who can stand? O who hath causèd this?
O who can answer at the throne of God?
The Kings and Nobles of the Land have done it!
Hear it not, Heaven, thy Ministers have done it!

Text Authorship:

  • by William Blake (1757 - 1827), "Prologue, intended for a dramatic piece of King Edward the Fourth"

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View original text (without footnotes)
1 omitted by Lybbert; further changes may exist not noted.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]

2. I would close my eyes

Language: English 
— This text is not currently
in the database but will be added
as soon as we obtain it. —

Text Authorship:

  • by William Blake (1757 - 1827)

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3. Beneath the words I hear his screams

Language: English 
— This text is not currently
in the database but will be added
as soon as we obtain it. —

Text Authorship:

  • by William Blake (1757 - 1827)

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4. Bring me an axe and spade  [sung text not yet checked]

Language: English 
 My silks and fine array, 
 My smiles and languish'd air,
 By love are driv'n away;
 And mournful lean Despair
 Brings me yew to deck my grave:
 Such end true lovers have.

 His face is fair as heav'n,
 When springing buds unfold;
 O why to him was't giv'n,
 Whose heart is wintry cold?
 His breast is love's all worship'd tomb,
 Where all love's pilgrims come.

 Bring me an axe and spade,
 Bring me a winding sheet;
 When I my grave have made,
 Let winds and tempests beat:
 Then down I'll lie, as cold as clay,
 True love doth pass away! 

Text Authorship:

  • by William Blake (1757 - 1827)

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]

5. Let the winds and tempests beat

Language: English 
— This text is not currently
in the database but will be added
as soon as we obtain it. —

Text Authorship:

  • by William Blake (1757 - 1827)

Go to the general single-text view

Total word count: 239
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