For A Voice Like Thunder

[Prologue to "King Edward the Fourth" by William Blake]

O, for a voice like thunder, and a tongue to drown the throat of war
When the senses are shaken, and the soul is driven to madness
Who can stand? When the souls of the oppressed
Fight in the troubled air that rages, who can stand?

When the whirlwind of fury comes from the Throne of God
When the frowns of his countenance drive the nations together
Who can stand? When Sin claps his broad wings over the battle
And sails rejoicing in the flood of Death
When souls are torn to everlasting fire
And fiends of Hell rejoice upon the slain.

O who can stand? O who hath causèd this?
O who can answer at the throne of God?
The Kings and Nobles of the Land have done it!
Hear it not, Heaven, thy Ministers have done it!

The Kings of the land have done it!