English poem
_The Tune._
by Hezekiah Butterworth (1839–1905)
Old "Balerma" was so long the musical mouth-piece of the pious boy-schoolmaster's verses that the two became one expression, and one could not be named without suggesting the other.
"Balerma" (Palermo) was ages away in style and sound from the later type of Sunday-school tunes, resembling rather one of Palestrina's chorals than the tripping melodies that took its place; but in its day juvenile voices enjoyed it, and it suited very well the grave but winning words.
How happy is the child who hears Instruction's warning voice, And who celestial Wisdom makes His early, only choice!
For she hath treasures greater far Than East and West unfold, And her rewards more precious are Than all their stores of gold.
She guides the young with innocence In pleasure's path to tread, A crown of glory she bestows Upon the hoary head.
Robert Simpson, author of the old tune, was a Scottish composer of psalmody; born, about 1722, in Glasgow; and died, in Greenock, June, 1838.