The Cyber Hymnal ‎#10666

10666. No War Nor Battle's Sound

1 No war nor battle’s sound was heard the world around—
No hostile chiefs to furious combat ran;
But peaceful was the night in which the Prince of Light
His reign of peace upon the earth began.

2 No conqueror’s sword He bore, nor warlike armor wore,
Nor haughty passions roused to contest wild;
In peace and love He came, and gentle was the reign
Which o’er the earth He spread by influence mild.

3 Unwilling kings obeyed, and sheathed the battle blade,
And called their bloody legions from the field;
In silent awe they wait, and close the warrior’s gate,
Nor know to whom their homage thus they yield.

4 The peaceful Conqueror goes, And triumphs o’er His foes,
His weapons drawn from armories above;
Behold the vanquished sit submissive at His feet,
And strife and hate are changed to peace and love.

Text Information

• First Line: No war nor battle’s sound was heard the world around
• Title: No War Nor Battle's Sound
• Author: John Milton (1629, adapted)
• Meter: 12.10.12.10
• Language: English
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternative tune: MILTON, John Zundel

Tune Information

• Name: NAUL
• Composer: Anonymous (1859)
• Meter: 12.10.12.10
• Key: G Major
• Source: The Sabbath Hymn and Tune Book by Lowell Mason, Edwards A. Park and Austin A. Phelps (New York: Mason Brothers, 1859)
• Copyright: Public Domain