Page:Redemption, a Poem.djvu/81

 REDEMPTION. 75

All that I have, all that I hope, or am,

Is solely from thy grace derived, to thee

Belongs, to thee returns ; so, as the source,

The infinite abyss, which all resorbs.

Omniscient Father, thou whose sleepless eye,

Dost all things see, dost all things know; thou, who

Infinitude of space dost fill, and midst

A universe of worlds, revolving round

Thy throne, that ever sing thy praise, dost yet

Behold the lowly things of earth, vouchsafe

Upon thy chosen race to look and smile.

From morning watch, till dewy eve, Israel

Still looks to thee, still lifts her hands, her voice,

Her prayers ; to thee sends up her mournful cry.

God, our Redeemer, sure and steadfast friend,

How long thy coming shall we yet await ?

When shall that Prophet, promised long, arise ?

Or when that city, founded by thy hand,

Whereof the ancients glorious things have sung,

Be with that one Man bless'd, whom Sion hopes

And of whom sages wond'rous works foretell ?

Say, for thou know'st, whom rev' rent we adore,

Whose name a tower of strength is, 'gainst our foes,

What time shall bring our great Deliv'rer forth,

And when commence th' illustrious Conqu'ror's reign.

Whom have we in the heav'ns but thee ? On earth,

Than thee, none else do we desire. Let not

Thy chariot wheels delay, whilst day by day,

Our foes reproachful ask Where is thy God ?

We know that our Redeemer lives and reigns;

Therefore thy courts, with voice of joy and praise,

Daily our footsteps press ; there frequent we

�� �