Classic Poem

When morning gilds the skies,
My heart awaking cries;
May Jesus Christ be praised.

Alike at work and prayer,
To Jesus I repair;
May, &c.

The sacred minster bell,
It peals o'er hill and dell;
May, &c.

Oh! hark to what it sings,
As joyously it rings;
May, &c.

To Thee, my God above,
I cry with glowing love;
May, &c.

The fairest graces spring
In hearts that ever sing,
May, &c.

My tongue shall never tire
Of chanting in the choir,
May, &c.

This song of sacred joy,
It never seems to cloy;
May, &c.

When sleep her balm denies,
My silent spirit sighs;
May, &c.

When evil thoughts molest,
With this I shield my breast;
May, &c.

Does sadness fill my mind?
A solace here I find;
May, &c.

Or fades my earthly bliss?
My comfort still is this;
May, &c.

Though burst my heart in twain,
Still this shall be my strain;
May, &c.

When you begin the day,
Oh! never fail to say;
May, &c.

And at your work rejoice,
To sing with heart and voice;
May, &c.

Be this at meals your grace,
In every time and place;
May, &c.

Be this, when day is past,
Of all your thoughts the last;
May, &c.

In want and bitter pain,
None ever said in vain;
May, &c.

Should guilt your spirit wring,
Remember Christ, your King;
May, &c.

The night becomes as day,
When from the heart we say;
May, &c.

In Heav'n's eternal bliss,
The loveliest strain is this;
May, &c.

The powers of darkness fear,
When this sweet chant they hear;
May, &c.

To God the Word on high,
The hosts of Angels cry;
May, &c.

Let mortals, too, upraise
Their voice in hymns of praise;
May, &c.

Let earth's wide circle round,
In joyful notes resound;
May, &c.

Let air, and sea, and sky,
From depth to height reply;
May, &c.

Be this while life is mine,
My canticle divine;
May, &c.

Be this th' eternal Song,
Through all the ages on;