Andrew of Crete (660-732)

ou gar blepeis tous parattontas.

Christian! dost thou see them

On the holy ground,

How the troops of Midian

Prowl and prowl around?

Christian! up and smite them,

Counting gain but loss:

Smite them by the merit

Of the Holy Cross!

Christian! dost thou feel them,

How they work within,

Striving, tempting, luring,

Goading into sin?

Christian! never tremble!

Never be down-cast!

Smite them by the virtue

Of the Lenten Fast!

Christian! dost thou hear them

How they speak thee fair?

"Always fast and vigil?

Always watch and prayer?"

Christian! say but boldly:

"While I breathe, I pray:"

Peace shall follow battle,

Night shall end in day.

"Well I know thy trouble,

O my servant true;

Thou art very weary, --

I was weary too:

But that toil shall make thee,

Some day, all Mine own:

But the end of sorrow

Shall be near My Throne."

[In H. E. C., where it is No.2. Also, as Fortitude, a Sacred Song, by M. E. H. S. This is, of course, not intended to be used in Church; but, as a song, it is extremely pretty.]