Before we go onto the battlefield
To fight the good fight against the powers of darkness,
While we are locating our plumed helmets,
Our gauntlets, hauberks, shields, and habergeons,
While we are sharpening our broad swords,
Burnishing our breastplates till they gleam,
And long before we look into the glass
To admire the "parfit ... knight" reflected there,
Let us remember God is on our side
And the enemy—the enemy is a dream.
We really do not need all these impedimenta,
Fine though they are, and carefully selected.
One God-given thought flies like a stone from a sling,
One absolute truth, aimed at Goliath's head,
Slays the fictitious phantom that he is.
So we could lay aside our heavy armor,
And run onto the field with sling and stone,
Dressed, like the shepherd David, in God's allness,
Free, unencumbered as that trusting lad,
Yet conquerors still (and much more comfortable).
