St. Ephraim of Syria!

In honor of the saint's day, a song adaptation of one of his songs. Very post-9/11, really.

Nisibene Hymn II (v2.0)
Lyrics: Maureen S. O'Brien, 6/9/05
(adapted from Nisibene Hymn II by St. Ephraem of Syria, 373 AD)
Tune: "Sheebeg, Sheemore", Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738)

Remember the day that they breached our wall?
It looked like a mirror; both sides looked in.
They saw that God had allowed them within.
We saw our God who repaired it.
They saw our God and His heavy hand.
We saw our God as He saved our land.
They saw our God and ran off in fear.
We saw His help and declared it.

Wake up, lazybones, for the day is saved!
Spears showered, and our men fought valiantly,
And when our foes broke through in great waves --
A sight fit for angels' bright eyes.
For iniquity fought us, and mercy won!
Through the many brave deeds that they then saw done,
Compassion and kindness triumphed here.
The watchers shouted from on high.

So our foes used up all their strength and men
While trying to break through the wall again.
Three times it cracked, but they couldn't get in,
They lost three times out of three.
By the grace of God, gladness multiplied!
Let my fruits in this city surpass my crimes!
I sinned in my youth; in old age, it's time
That I should thank God for His mercy!