Soldier, Ask Not
Words and music by Gordon R. Dickson


 a a     E-E7 a    E E      a  a
Soldier, ask not, now  or    ever,
 a a-b-c  b   a    b b-c-d c-b a
  a d       a    a  d   E-E7 a
Where  to  war your banners go.
  E  d-e-f e-d  c   d-c b    a
   (next two lines to same tune as first two)
Anarch's legions all surround us.
Strike, and do not count the blow.
  C      G       a         E
Glory,  honor, praise and profit
 e c-d-e d d     c   a-b-c b  b
 a       d       a  d     E
Are but toys of tin-sel worth.
 a a-b-c d   d   c d-c-d  e
   (last two lines to same tune as first two)
Render up your work, unasking.
Leave the human clay to earth.

Blood and sorrow, pain unending,
Are the portion of us all.
Grasp the naked sword, opposing.
Gladly in the battle fall.
So shall we, anointed soldiers,
Stand at last before the throne;
Baptized in our wounds, red-flowing.
Sealed unto our Lord, alone.