The Rallying Cry

Or the prologue to the battle:

The lightning flashed, the thunder roared,
The rain came pouring madly down.
The men stood firm and held their ground
Against the frightful, angry horde.
“Stand fast!” the leader charged the men
Amidst the noisy battle din.
“Hark! May our courage ne’er decline.
Let our defense a beacon shine:
A standard which our warriors free
Shall rally ‘round for victory!
Our cause is just and without shame.
What from this day have ye to fear?
If ye do luve wife, bairn, and hame,
For them defend and now take cheer.
The prospects seem to trouble brew
A most wearying dreadful task.
But God will give ye courage new
If ye but Him will humbly ask.