The fathers built this city
In ages long ago,
And busy in the busy streets,
They hurried to and fro;
The children played around them,
And sang the songs of yore,
Till one by one they fell asleep,
To work and play no more.

Yet still the city standeth,
A hive of toiling men,
And mother�s love makes happy home
For children now as then;
O God of ages, help us,
Such citizens to be,
That children�s children here may sing
The songs of liberty.

Let all the people praise Thee,
Give all Thy saving health,
Or vain the laborer�s strong right arm
And vain the merchant�s wealth;
Send out Thy light to banish
The shadows of the shame,
Till all the civic virtues shine
Around our city�s name.

A commonweal of brothers,
United, great and small,
Upon our banner blazoned be
The Charter, �Each for all!�
Nor let us cease from battle,
Nor weary sheathe the sword,
Until this city is become
The city of the Lord.