O where are kings and empires now,

Of old that went and came?

But holy Church is praying yet,

A thousand years the same.

2 Mark ye her holy battlements,

And her foundations strong:

And hear within, the solemn voice,

And her unending song.

3 For not like kingdoms of the world,

The Holy Church of God!

Though earthquake shocks are rocking her,

And tempests are abroad;

4 Unshaken as eternal hills,

Unmovable she stands—

A mountain that shall fill the earth,

A fane unbuilt by hands.