I Heard the Bells

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace of earth, good will to men

I thought how, as the day had come
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th'unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men

And in despair I bowed my head
"There is no peace on earth," I said
"For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep
"God is not dead, nor does she sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men"

Till, ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men