Crazy Stable

 
A Hymn: 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 honour and the sword,

From sleep and from damnation,

        Deliver us, good Lord.

Tie in a living tether

        The prince and priest and thrall,

Bind all our lives together,

        Smite us and save us all;

In ire and exultation

       Aflame with faith, and free,

Lift up a living nation,

       A single sword to thee.

                     -- G.K. Chesterton

Image: Fra Angelico, Christ Crowned with Thorns