The Crossing of the Sea

From the bondage of slavery throughout Egypt-land
God delivered his own with a mighty right hand;
And mocked was Osiris, the Giver of Breath,
As the firstborn of Egypt were smitten with death.

God delivered his own while in sorrow they toiled,
And the Pharaoh was humbled, and Egypt was spoiled,
As the Children of Israel, in ranks upon ranks,
Fled from Egypt unto the Red Sea’s stormy banks.

‘The retreat of the Israelites now hath been blocked!’
Oh, but be not deceived, Pharaoh, God is not mocked.
Stand ye still, Israel, fear not the Gentile horde:
Stand and watch the salvation that comes of the Lord!

And encouraged was every Israelite heart,
And they walked on dry land when the waters did part;
But the armies of Egypt, assaying the same,
Were destroyed in the deluge, and swallowed in shame!

And the blood-tainted waters that lap on the shore
Bear a witness to legions that conquer no more;
And in Egypt a pallor seems sickly to roll
O’er the land – for bereavement hath smitten each soul;

And no more wild cheers will resound in the streets
As each child his spoil-laden father he greets; –
For the glory of Egypt, and Pharaoh’s proud might,
The Saviour of Israel hath stricken from sight!

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