Author: Reginald Heber, 1783-1826 Hymnal: The Cyber Hymnal #9588 Meter: 8.6.8.6 First Line: Beneath our feet and o’er our head Lyrics: 1 Beneath our feet and o’er our head
Is equal warning given;
Beneath us lie the countless dead,
Above us is the heaven.
2 Their names are graven on the stone;
Their bones are in the clay;
And, ere another day is gone,
Ourselves may be as they.
3 Death rides on every passing breeze,
He lurks in every flower;
Each season has its own disease,
Its peril every hour.
4 Our eyes have seen the rosy light
Of youth’s soft cheek decay,
And clouds descend in sudden night
On manhood’s middle day.
5 Our eyes have seen the steps of age
Halt feebly toward the tomb;
And yet shall earth our hearts engage,
And dreams of days to come?
6 Turn, mortal, turn, thy danger know;
Where’er thy feet can tread,
The earth rings hollow from below,
And warns thee of her dead.
7 Turn, Christian, turn, thy soul apply
To truths divinely given;
The bones that underneath thee lie
Shall live for hell or Heaven. Languages: English Tune Title: MEAR
Beneath Our Feet And O'er Our Head