Marble and recording brass decay, And, like the 'graver's memory, pass away;
The work of man inherit, as is just,
Their author's frailty, and return to dust;
But Truth divine forever stands secure,
Its head as guarded, as its base is sure;
Fixed in the rolling Hood of years,
The pillar of the eternal plan appears;
The raving storm and dashing wave defies,
Built by the Architect who built the skies.
Still in thy right hand carry gentle peace,
To silence envious tongues. Be just and fear not:
Let all the ends thou aim'st at be thy country's,
Thy God's, and truth's.
