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,
- The 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 honour 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
- Aflame with faith, and free,
Lift up a living nation,
- A single sword to thee.
