Mine enemies have prevailed against me, O God:
Thou hast led me deep into their ambush.
They surround me with a hedge of spears:
And the sword in my hand is broken.
My friends also have forsaken my side:
From a safe place they look upon me with pity.
My heart is like water poured upon the ground:
I have come alone to the place of surrender.
To thee, to thee only will I give up my sword:
The sword which was broken in thy service.
Thou hast required me to suffer for thy cause:
By my defeat thy will is victorious.
O my King show me thy face shining in the dark:
While I drink the loving-cup of death to thy glory.
(Henry Van Dyke)
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