I

When o’er the world Augustus reigned,

The rule of kingships felt decay;

And when our Lord appeared as Man,

The idol shrines were swept away.

II

One earthly power the people knew,

One world-embracing rule obeyed;

Then Gentiles to the Godhead knelt,

And undivided homage paid.

III

And when the monarch’s will was known,

A census of the tribes was told;

Then, in the name of Christ their God,

His faithful subjects were enrolled.

IV

For great Thy mercy is to us,

O God, our King, Whose rule we own,

And we will render while we live,

One glory to Thy name alone.