Once more I give an idle song to thee,
Fair city sitting by the waters wide.
Forever with thy people shall abide
Honor and peace, in every home shall be
A hope made stronger by adversity,
ANd they, those mighty men, who at thy side
Now lead thee doubtful onward, they shall guide
Thy feet into the golden age to be.
O thou that art to rule the empired west,
Be strong, and labor--labor for the gold
Of after greatness! though the voice of them
Who envy thee be loud, still, undistressed,
Mind well the time when they shall all behold
The light of thine imperial diadem.
