O God of earth and altar, <br />Bow down and hear our cry, <br />Our earthly rulers falter, <br />Our people drift and die; <br />The walls of gold entomb us, <br />The swords of scorn divide, <br />Take not thy thunder from us, <br />But take away our pride. <br /> <br />From all that terror teaches, <br />From lies of tongue and pen, <br />From all the easy speeches <br />That comfort cruel men, <br />From sale and profanation <br />Of honour and the sword, <br />From sleep and from damnation, <br />Deliver us, good Lord. <br /> <br />Tie in a living tether <br />The prince and priest and thrall, <br />Bind all our lives together, <br />Smite us and save us all; <br />In ire and exultation <br />Aflame with faith, and free, <br />Lift up a living nation, <br />A single sword to thee.<br /><br />Gilbert Keith Chesterton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-hymn-2/
