Palms of Victory

I saw the wayward traveler, in tattered garments clad
And struggling up the mountain, it seemed that he was sad
His back was laden heavy, his strength was almost gone
But he shouted as he journeyed, "Deliverance will come!"

Chorus
Then palms of victory, crowns of glory
Palms of victory, I shall wear

The summer sun was shining, the sweat was on his brow
His garments worn and dusty, his step seemed very slow
But he kept pressing onward, for he was wending home
Still shouting as he journeyed, "Deliverance will come!"

The songsters in the arbor, that stood beside the way
Attracted his attention, invited his delay
His watchword being "Onward!", he stopped his ears and ran
Still shouting as he journeyed, "Deliverance will come!"

I saw him in the evening, the sun was bending low
He had overtopped the mountain, and reached the vale below
He saw the golden city, his everlasting home
And shouted loud, "Hosanna! Deliverance will come!"

While gazing on the city, just o'er the narrow flood
A band of holy angels came from the throne of God
They bore him on their pinions safe o'er the dashing foam
And joined him in his triumph, "Deliverance has come!"