The People's Anthem / Ebenezer Elliott

The People's Anthem


When wilt thou save the people? 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! Not thrones and crowns, but men! God save the people! thine they are; Thy children, as thy angels fair; Save them from bondage and despair! God save the people!