Sing we of those, whom in the forest wild
God hid from human eye;
There by the world's contagion undefil'd
With Him to live and die.

Their home, their native land, their all, they left;
Name, wealth, imperial throne,
Alike to them were worthless; self-bereft!
And wrapt in Heaven alone!

Arm'd for the battle, swift, unfetter'd, free,
They flew to meet the foe;
And wisely, bound to stem a treacherous sea,
Aside their burdens threw.

Their highest glory was—to be despised!
To suffer want—their gain!
The happiness which they supremely prized—
To die by lengthen'd pain!

Help us, great God, to bear with patience meek
The chastenings of Thy love;
Help us, forsaking earthly things, to seek
Thy promis'd joys above.