Singing the Living Tradition ‎#119

119. Once to Every Soul and Nation

1 Once to every man and nation
comes the moment to decide,
in the strife of truth with falsehood,
for the good or evil side:
then to side with truth is noble,
When we share her wretched crust;
ere that cause bring fame and profit,
and 'tis prosperous to be just.

2 Though the cause of evil prosper,
yet 'tis truth alone is strong;
though its portion be the scaffold,
and upon the throne be wrong.
Then it is the brave one chooses,
while the coward stands aside,
till the multitude make virtue
of the faith they have denied.

Text Information

• First Line: Once to every soul and nation
• Title: Once to Every Soul and Nation
• Author: James Russell Lowell, 1819-1891
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.D.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1993
• Topic: Words and Deeds of Prophetic Women and Men: Commitment and Action; Courage; The Living Tradition; Nations

Tune Information

• Name: EBENEZER
• Composer: Thomas John Williams, 1869-1944
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.D.
• Key: f minor