And when our names are slander'd,
Our characters made black,
And calumny draws near us,
With venom in its track;
Still, still for those who hate us,
Who once our friendship knew;
"Father", we cry, "forgive them;
They know not what they do!"

 'Tis hard - it is not human -
To bear with scorn and wrong,
Life's greatest ills to suffer
With patience deep and  long;
Yet it is right and Christian,
Therefore, when foes pursue,
"Father", we cry, "forgive them;
They know not what they do!"