Thou Mayest Be a Mighty Ruler

1 Though no slave may bow before thee,
And thou wear no crown,
Thou may'st be a mighty ruler,
With a pow'r unknown;
Though thou take no lofty city,
Rich in stores of pelf,
Yet thine honor shall be greater,
If thou rule thyself.

2 For the foes that strike the hardest,
And with subtlest art,
Are not met on fields of battle,
But within the heart;
And if thou art slow to anger,
Thou art mightier far,
Than the warrior tho' he conquer,
In the fiercest war.

3 Men may crown the brave with laurel,
When the battle's won,
Yet 'tis only earthly honor,
And will soon be gone;
But if then thou shalt gain the vict'ry
O'er thy passions' sway,
God shalt give thee shining laurels,
That shall last for aye.


Source: Joyful Songs: a choice collection of new Sunday School music #138