What's Hallowed Ground?

Thomas Campbell

What's hallowed ground? Has earth a clod

Its Maker meant not should be trod

By man, the image of his God,

Erect and free,

Unscourged by superstition's rod

To bow the knee?

What hallows ground where heroes sleep?

'Tis not the sculptured piles you heap,

In dews that Heavens far distant weep,

Their turf may bloom,

Or Genii twine beneath the deep

Their coral tomb.

But strew his ashes to the wind,

Whose sword or voice has saved mankind,

And is he dead, whose glorious mind

Lifts thine on high?

To live in hearts we leave behind

Is not to die!

Is't death to fall for Freedom's right?

He's dead alone that lacks her light!

And murder sullies, in Heaven's sight

The sword he draws.

What can alone ennoble fight?

A noble cause.

What's hallowed ground? 'Tis what gives birth

To sacred thoughts in souls of worth.

Peace! Independence! Truth! go forth

Earth's compass round,

And your high priesthood shall make earth

All hallowed ground.