Arthur Guiterman, 'The Freebooter's Prayer'

[duathir.livejournal.com]

Cross-post from war_poetry:

The Freebooter’s Prayer
(Scotland, 1405)

Thou That willed us naked-born,
Send us meat against the morn—
Got with right or got with wrong
So we fast not overlong.
Prosper “Snaffle, Spur and Spear!”
Grant us booty, horse and gear;
Save our necks from hempen thrall,
Bless the souls of them that fall.

Anonymous


The Freebooter’s Prayer
A Modern Version
(U. S. A., 1905)

Thou, Whom rich and poor adore,
Grant me fifty millions more,
Earned or pilfered, foul or pure;
From man’s law hold me secure.
So, when I have gained of gold
All my coffers well can hold,
I may give, O Lord, for Thee,
One-sixteenth in Charity.

By Arthur Guiterman