'Twas early when the man of God,
Elisha, and the lad arose
To see the campfires spread abroad
And hear the war songs of their foes.
The gray wing of the dawn was laid
Above the red encampment flare;
Elisha, calm and unafraid,
Was girt in steadfast strength of prayer.
This host on the embattled hill,
And crouching by the city's gate,
Was but a dream of human will
And self-destroying human hate.
The trembling servant failed to see
Beyond the shade of mortal lies,
Until Elisha's prayer removed
The veil of terror from his eyes.
And then, to his enraptured gaze
The host of heaven was revealed;
His heart was filled with prayer and praise—
He knew that God was on the field.
Oh, may our eyes be opened wide
To see His chariots round about,
To find that God is by our side
And know no darkening fear or doubt.
