O God of earth and altar,

Bow down & hear our cry,

Our earthly rulers falter,

Our people drift & 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 & pen,

From all the easy speeches

That comfort cruel men,

From sale & profanation

Of honour & the sword,

From sleep & from damnation,

Deliver us, good Lord.

Tie in a living tether

The prince & priest & thrall,

Bind all our lives together,

Smite us & save us all;

In ire & exultation

Aflame with faith & free,

Lift up a living nation,

A single sword to thee.

G. K. Chesterton