City of God, how broad and far
outspread thy walls sublime!
The true thy chartered freemen are
of every age and clime:
One holy church, one army strong,
one steadfast, high intent;
one working band, one harvest-song,
one King omnipotent.
How purely hath thy speech come down
from man's primaeval youth!
How grandly hath thine empire grown
of freedom, love, and truth!
How gleam thy watch-fires through the night
with never-fainting ray!
How rise thy towers, serene and bright,
to meet the dawning day!
In vain the surge's angry shock,
in vain the drifting sands:
unharmed upon the eternal Rock
the eternal city stands.
