Britten: Missa brevis, Op. 63 - Agnus Dei

One ever hangs where shelled roads part
In this war He too lost a limb
But His disciples hide apart;
And now the Soldiers bear with Him
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi
Dona eis requiem
Near Golgotha strolls many a priest
And in their faces there is pride
That they were flesh-marked by the Beast
By whom the gentle Christ’s denied
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi
Dona eis requiem
The scribes on all the people shove
And bawl allegiance to the state
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi
But they who love the greater love
Lay down their life; they do not hate
Dona eis requiem
Dona nobis pacem