Hymns for Youth ‎#54

54. Watchman, Tell Us of the Night

1. Watchman, tell us of the night,
What its signs of promise are.
Traveler, o'er yon mountain's height,
See that glory-beaming star.
Watchman, does its beauteous ray
Aught of joy or hope foretell?
Traveler, yes; its brings the day,
Promised day of Israel.

2. Watchman, tell us of the night,
Higher yet that star ascends.
Traveler, blessedness and light,
Peace and truth its course portends.
Watchman, will its beam alone
Gild the sport that gave them birth?
Traveler, ages are its own;
See, it bursts o'er all the earth.

3. Watchman, tell us of the night,
For the morning seems to dawn.
Traveler, darkness takes its flight,
Doubt and terror are withdrawn.
Watchman, let thy wanderings cease;
Hie thee to thy quiet home.
Traveler, lo, the prince of peace,
Lo, the Son of God is come.

Text Information

• First Line: Watchman, tell us of the night
• Title: Watchman, Tell Us of the Night
• Author: John Bowring, 1792-1872
• Meter: 7 7 7 7 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1966

Tune Information

• Name: ABERYSTWYTH
• Composer: Joseph Parry, 1841-1903
• Meter: 7 7 7 7 D
• Incipit: 11234 53213 21712
• Key: e minor