HALF prayed, and half commanded--
Let there be light!
Light, where waits one undaunted,
Blind with fight;
Light, where the lion-hearted
Lies in night.

Light from due pain's red furnace,
Light of love's sight,
Blend rays--O fierce! O tender!
Lead him aright;
Shine for the just defender,
The loyal knight.

Where hope is yet the youngest,
Let there be light;
Where grief has lain the longest,
Let there be light;
Where will is still the strongest,
Let there be light.