O God of mercy! when?

Not kings and lords, but nations!

Not thrones and crowns, but men!

Flowers of thy heart, O God, are they!

Let them not pass, like weeds, away!

Their heritage a sunless day!

God save the people!

Shall crime bring crime for ever,

Strength aiding still the strong?

Is it thy will, O Father!

That man shall toil for wrong?

"No!" say thy mountains; "No!" thy skies;

"Man's clouded sun shall brightly rise,

And songs be heard instead of sighs."

God save the people!

When wilt thou save the people?

O God of mercy! when?

The people, Lord! the people!

God save the people! thine they are;

Thy children, as thy angels fair;

Save them from bondage and despair!

God save the people!