| |
(Leviticus xxxiii., 33–43)
LET us build to the Lord of the earth in each place | |
| The Tent, which His glorious presence will grace. | |
| ’Twill be hallowed with light that descends from on high, | |
| Where the prayers and the praises are heard thro’ the sky. | |
| ’Tis the time when the beauty of earth is fulfilled, | 5 |
| And the stars all look down on the Tent that we build; | |
| When the moon in her robing of silver attire, | |
| Approaches in silence, the sun’s crimson fire! | |
| All the splendour of heaven, the beauties of earth, | |
| Exult in the love that has given them birth! | 10 |
| The boughs of thick trees with their leaves all entwine, | |
| Round the delicate stems of the Myrtle and Vine; | |
| The Palm trees are clasping the Willows with joy, | |
| A rapture that death cannot change or destroy; | |
| Each tree that was bearing its fruit o’er the land, | 15 |
| Owes renewal of life, to the One mighty hand! | |
| Its exquisite beauty enchanting our sight, | |
| One thought has created, for taste and delight. | |
| Choice flowers in manifold colours and scent, | |
| Adorn the frail walls of the gorgeous built tent; | 20 |
| Where “showers of blessings” from promise divine, | |
| Replete with His mandates, eternally shine! | |
| Now twilight glides gently o’er trees, fruit and flower; | |
| And fragrant the breath of the exquisite bower. | |
| The lamps that were burning, are fast growing dim, | 25 |
| While angels have enter’d, and chant a soft hymn; | |
| ’Tis the music of heaven! their voices ascending, | |
| In tones most celestial, with praises are blending. | |
| The trees are all trembling with joy, and the Rose | |
| Has awaken’d to see where the angels repose; | 30 |
| But they folded their wings all impervious thro’ night, | |
| And vanish’d ere dawn spread her roseate light! | |
| |
