I am a gallant soldier of Imperial Rome,
Serving in Palestine, far from my home.
Rotten duty, this night, has increased my gloom.
For I must tarry here guarding this garden tomb.
What is the reason, why this waste and woe,
To keep watch over a dead man I don't even know?
Some say his followers plan to steal his body away,
While others expect a miracle the morning of the third day.
I know this is no fit duty for a soldier of Imperial Rome,
Serving in Palestine, far, far from home.
I am a gallant soldier, as everyone can see,
But why I must stand guard here is something unknown to me.
What makes this dead man important, my officer must surely know;
Or he would not leave me here with orders not to go.
I've never drawn such duty before in service to Imperial Rome,
So why must I do it here in Palestine, far from my home?
I am a Roman soldier whose duty is to obey,
And in the cold and gloom of night, at my post I'll stay.
For two full days I've stood watch by this silent grave.
And nothing has happened here to need a soldier brave.
My officer said for three long days we must be vigilant,
For stealing his body during that time, his disciples are intent.
I am a gallant soldier from might Imperial Rome,
And I obey my orders, even though far from home.
I am a gallant soldier, but what's that light I see?
It shines forth like the sun, but within the tomb it seems to be.
As I watch, the mighty stone rolls noisily from the door.
I tremble at the thought of what yet may happen more.
I'm duty bound to stand my ground, as I've always done.
For I am a gallant soldier of Rome…and must not turn and run.
I am a gallant soldier, but such a sight I've never seen,
A man walking from that tomb, his raiment a vibrant sheen.
My fear rises higher; my knees begin to shake;
But when that man looks upon face, no move to flee I make.
Peace sprang forth from his eyes, and his love my heart did fill;
And suddenly calm flowed within, and I stood strangely still.
All around the night was filled with a new and lovely sound,
As if a chorus from the heavens was praising an event profound.
I am a gallant soldier serving Imperial Rome;
And something new has happened here, far from my home.
Suddenly, all is still, and I'm standing all alone,
My heart strangely warmed, no longer cold as stone.
The tomb is open for all to see, but empty of its occupant
And I have no words that can explain the meaning of this event.
For I'm just a simple soldier of Imperial Rome,
Wondering at these things I've seen, far from my home.
I stand before the Great Council, and before Pilate, too.
"I must have slept on duty," they say, "and punishment is my due!"
"For allowing his disciples to come by night, with theft as their intent.
I've brought shame upon Imperial Rome, and disgrace to my regiment."
"But, they'll spare my life," they proclaim, "and reward me very well,
If word of this miraculous event no one else will I tell!"
I was a gallant soldier serving Imperial Rome,
Now I proclaim this miracle, far from my home.
Id served my emperor faithfully in posts throughout the land.
But, now I search for words to explain, so others may understand.
For 'twas more than a mortal man who touched my life that night,
'Twas more than a mortal man who soothed away my fright.
I am still a gallant soldier, but no longer of Imperial Rome;
Now I'm a soldier of the Cross, and His Kingdom will be my home.
