O what is heaven, I want to know

Gertrude.
1 O, what is heav'n? I want to know;
And what is passing there?
Do gentle rivers brightly flow,
And flow'rs perfume the air?

Herbert.
2 Yes, there are flow'rs which never fade,
And streams that never dry;
And there is known no evening shade,
To dim the glorious sky.

Gertrude.
3 O, what is heav'n? I want to know,
Are children playing there?
And do they thirst and hunger now,
And feel a parent's care?

Herbert.
4 No, never do they hunger there,
Nor precious moments waste;
But beauteous as the angels are,
With Christ's own image graced.

Gertrude.
5 But where is heaven? O, is it far
Above the ground I tread?
Or is it fix'd in yonder star,
Whose beams shine mildly red?

Herbert.
6 No: 'tis the Saviour's smiling face,
That makes the heaven above;
And would we reach that happy place,
We here his name must love.

7 'Tis in his word that we are told
Of bliss beyond the sky,
And how to obtain a crown of gold,
All glorious, when we die.

Gertrude.
8 Dear Jesus, may I now be thine,
And have my sins forgiv'n,
Along with saints and angels shine
With thee--for that is heav'n.


Source: Linden Harp: a rare collection of popular melodies adapted to sacred and moral songs, original and selected. Illustrated. Also a manual of... #146