The Cyber Hymnal ‎#11902

11902. Down the Dark Future

1 Down the dark future, through long generations,
The sounds of war grow fainter and then cease;
And like a bell with solemn, sweet vibrations,
I hear once more the voice of Christ say, Peace!

2 Peace! and no longer, from its brazen portals,
The blast of war’s great organ shakes the skies!
But beautiful as songs of the immortals,
The holy melodies of love arise.

Text Information

• First Line: Down the dark future, through long generations
• Title: Down the Dark Future
• Author: Henry W. Longfellow
• Meter: 11.10.11.10
• Language: English
• Source: Adapted from his anti war poem "The Arsenal at Springfiled," published in The Belfry of Bruges and Other Poems, 1845
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tune: SPRINGFIELD by Edvard H. Grieg

Tune Information

• Name: MARLBOROUGH
• Arranger: Arthur S. Sullivan
• Meter: 11.10.11.10
• Key: E♭ Major
• Source: Church Hymns with Tunes (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1874)
• Copyright: Public Domain