William Preston Johnston - The Benedictine lyrics

THE great world seethes; men fight for gold or power, And bloodstains redden castle, court and cot; Sin stalks abroad or shames the lady's bower; In vain we look to find the happy spot Where righteousness prevails and sin is not. The cloister only is a rock built tower Against the woe which is the common lot, The wretchedness that is our earthly dower. Here in its sheltered walls I quiet find, As peacefully I pace the shaded walk, And list our stately abbot's wise, sweet talk, Or join in psalmody with joyous mind; Or, that Christ's gospel some poor souls may reach, What things I know I humbly, gladly teach.