Part 1 — WHEN WILT THOU SAVE THE PEOPLE?

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 forever, 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 ascend, 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 Thine angels fair. From vice, oppression, and despair, God, save the people! Ebenezer Elliott.