Above the waters, black and bottomless,
The last chimes sound.
In one vast avalanche, the populace
Casts the throne down.

The Tsars' proud purple trampled, spat upon,
And steeped in blood.
Ye last of Russian church-bells, battle on!
Ring out! Ring out!

Lament them, tearful pearls, weep over them:
Altar and throne.
Defend your Church and Tsar, keep troth with them,
Ye loyal sons!

Though Tsars of this world fall, yet uttering:
—Thy Kingdom! —Come! -
So the last chimes set all hearts shuddering
And all the town.

26 September 1918
Feast of Saint John the Divine