A Clear Vision

O God of Earth and Altar

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 honor and the sword;

From sleep and from damnation,

Deliver us, good Lord.

Tie in a living tether,

The prince and priest and thrall;

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