English poem
Hymn. L. M
by George Richards (1767–1837)
Great KING of KINGS! before thy throne, We bend on adoration's knee; Thou, thou, O LORD, art GOD alone; Nor dares th' Archangel question THEE.
On earth, beneath; in heav'n, on high, 'Tis THINE, thy PLEASURE to perform; In floods of day to robe the sky; Or wrap a world in night's dark storm:
At THY COMMAND, a nation springs To LIFE; to LIBERTY sublime: At THY COMMAND, States, Empires, Kings, Are swept adown the gulph of time.
The GREAT, the GOOD, now wept in dust, Thy faithful servant, WASHINGTON; Was only ours, in gracious trust; Till VIRTUE's perfect race was run.
Receiv'd from THEE; Return'd again;— Thy will, ALMIGHTY GOD, is done! May all our spirits breathe, AMEN; And yield to THEE, thy WASHINGTON.
Forgive, O LORD, COLUMBIA's tears! The cloud of death has veil'd her SUN; That veil shall rend in yon bright spheres; And GLORY, crown THY WASHINGTON.