City of God

City of God, how broad and far
outspread thy walls sublime!
Thy free and loyal people are
of ev'ry age and clime.

One holy Church, one mighty throng,
one steadfast, high intent;
one working band, one harvest-song,
one King omnipotent.

How purely hath thy speech come down
from earth's primeval 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 tow'rs, serene and bright,
to meet the dawning day!

In vain the surge's angry shock,
in vain the drifting sands:
unharmed upon th'eternal Rock
th'eternal city stands.