a-hymn
by Chesterton · Cluster: Faith · Providence · Divine Love
Abstract
A national hymn and prayer (three stanzas, hymn-meter) begging God to take away the people’s pride and to deliver a corrupt, gold-walled nation from lies, profit and damnation; central themes are faith, national renewal, humility, and the corruption of power.
Testo / Text
Connections
Topoi: Great Chain of Being
Motifs: Money and Gold, Swords and Weapons, Prayer, Sleep Themes & Concepts: Faith, Humility, Pride, Power and Corruption, Nationalism and Patriotism, Reform, Grace and Redemption, Providence, Deception, Honour, Union Forms & Genres: Hymn Historical References: Christianity, Bible
Testo integrale / Full text
A Hymn
by G.K.Chesterton
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.