O God of earth and altar,
Bow down and hear our cry
Our earthly rulers falter,
Our people drift and die;
the walls of gold entomb us,
I he swords of scorn divide,
Take not thy thunder from us,
But take away our pride.

From all that terror teaches,
From lies of tongue and pen,
From all the easy speeches
That comfort cruel men,
From sale and profanation
Of honor and the sword
From sleep and from damnation,
Deliver us, good Lord!

Tie, in a living tether,
The prince and priest and thrall;
Bind all our lives together,
Smite us and save us all;
In ire and exultation
A flame with faith and free,
Lift up a living nation,
A single sword to Thee.