The Sacramental Hymn

“And when they had sung a hymn, they went out unto the Mount of Olives.”

Oh, to have heard that hymn Float through the chamber dim, Float through that “upper room,” Hushed in the twilight gloom! Up the dark, starry skies Rolled the deep harmonies;-- Angels who heard the strain, How ran the high refrain?

How rose the holy song? Triumphant, clear, and strong, As a glad bird uplift Over the wild sea-drift? Or was its liquid flow Tremulous, sad, and slow-- Presage and prophecy Of lone Gethsemane?

Was it a lofty psalm, Foretelling crown and palm? Soared it to heights of prayer On the still, vibrant air? When the last feast was spread, And the last words were said, Sang the Lord Christ the hymn In the old chamber dim?