A Morning Hymn

O silence marvellous and deep, How lies the world in peaceful sleep! The woods alone all trembling sigh, As if a spirit passed by.

I feel new life within me rise, While anxious sorrow swiftly flies Before the dayspring's glorious light, To hide in darkest shades of night.

With hopes sure fixed on heaven my home, A pilgrim through the world I'll roam, And deem it o'er time's stream to be The bridge which leads, my God, to thee.

And should my harp forgetful praise Earth's fleeting joys with traitor lays, Oh! rend its chords, and evermore In trembling silence I'll adore!