Nehemiah regi

Nehemiah to the King
His cup did daily bear,
Serving ever pleasantly
Till one day, in despair,
Sighed he when he thought of home,
And longing there to go,
Asked the king for swift release,
Since he its fate did know.

"Give me sir," he begged his lord,
"Safe passage to my land,
Aid from all thy provinces,
To me and to my band.
If my words should please the King,
Do grant me one thing more:
Timber for the city walls,
The Temple, and its door."

Nehemiah pleased the King,
Who promptly gave him leave;
Then proceeded this great man
Jerusalem to grieve.
Walls were down on every side,
Its gates had been destroyed,
"Rise and build," he told his men,
Who soon were so employed.

Threats beset on every side
The builders in their toil;
Nehemiah set a guard
The heathens' plans to foil.
Fought and built each valiant man
Until the fight was won.
"Call to mind for good, O God,
All that which I have done."

Ezra then did read the Law,
Convicting all who heard.
Trembled each man for his sins
Before that awful Word.
Yet, said he, "Weep not nor mourn,
For sacred is this day.
Nay, rejoice! Stay not to grieve;
Instead, be on your way."

We, too, Lord, beseech Thee now
Thy servants to inspire,
Give us strength to do Thy will,
For great things we desire.
Grant that we may build today
A city vast and free,
One built out of living stones
Who live in joy for Thee.