Classic Poem

General of the heavenly armies! Chief
Among the angelic hosts! It is thy lance
Subdues the Dragon's ultimate advance,
And lays him conquered in his place of grief,

Bound with the Liar in an evil sheaf.
Thou art men's warden from so grim a chance;
Their knowledge of thy staunchness doth enhance
Resistance of thy foe, to all relief.

Leading the blessed from the cleansing flame,
Blithe on their lips is still thy noble name,
The cry of victory: Who is like to God?

Thou art the guide of such as take the road;
And we are pilgrims, every one of us;
Thou art found an universal patron thus.