Verse 1

When Stephen, full of power and grace, Went forth throughout the land, He bore no shield before his face, No weapon in his hand; But only in his heart a flame And on his lips a sword Wherewith he smote and overcame The foemen of the Lord.

Verse 2

When Stephen, young and doomed to die, Fell crushed beneath the stones, He had no curse nor vengeful cry For those who broke his bones; But only in his heart a flame And on his lips a prayer That God, in sweet forgiveness' name Should understand and spare.

Verse 3

Let me, O Lord, thy cause defend, A knight without a sword; No shield I ask, no faithful friend, No vengeance, no reward; But only in my heart a flame And in my soul a dream, So that the stones of earthly shame A jewelled crown may seem.

Verse 4

When Stephen preached against the laws And by those laws was tried, He had no friend to plead his cause, No spokesman at his side; But only in his heart a flame And in his eyes a light Wherewith God's daybreak to proclaim And rend the veils of night.