The Knights of Saint Lazarus (Leper Knights)

In the shadow of the Holy City’s walls, Where the broken weep and the shadow falls, A silent army rose from the dust, With a shield of mercy and a sword of trust. Afflicted by the curse that rots the bone, They walked a path of sorrow, completely alone. But out of the darkness, a brotherhood grew, To tend to the outcasts that the world never knew. Raise high the banner of the emerald cross, Through the fires of battle and the heaviest loss. The Knights of Saint Lazarus, standing so brave, Defenders of life at the edge of the grave. With armor of steel and a spirit of grace, They looked into death and gave it a face. They were warriors born, yet touched by the blight, Riding to war in the pale, fading light. The "Living Dead" on the desert sand, Guarding the weak with a trembling hand. At Montgisard and the Hattin plain, They fought through the fever, they fought through the pain. No fear of the blade, no fear of the scar, Guided by mercy like a distant star. Raise high the banner of the emerald cross, Through the fires of battle and the heaviest loss. The Knights of Saint Lazarus, standing so brave, Defenders of life at the edge of the grave. With armor of steel and a spirit of grace, They looked into death and gave it a face. When the kingdoms fell and the Crusades ceased, They carried their mission from West to the East. In the lazarettes where the suffering cry, They brought a devotion that never will die. Not just for the glory, not just for the crown, But to lift up the broken who had been cast down. Raise high the banner of the emerald cross, Through the fires of battle and the heaviest loss. The Knights of Saint Lazarus, standing so brave, Defenders of life at the edge of the grave. With armor of steel and a spirit of grace, They looked into death and gave it a face. The green cross still shines through the mist of the years, A legacy written in blood and in tears. Rest now, O knights, your vigil is done, The battle is fought, and the mercy is won. The Knights of Saint Lazarus... Saints of the sword, shields for the lost.