Bade the blood-stained cross appear.

Lord, this bosom’s ardent feeling

Vainly would my lips express;

Low before Thy footstool kneeling,

Deign Thy suppliant’s prayer to bless;

Let Thy grace, my soul’s chief treasure,

Love’s pure flame within me raise;

And, since words can never measure,

Let my life show forth Thy praise.

Francis Scott Key, 1823.