Page:Fugitive Poetry 1600-1878.djvu/45

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HYMN FOR SATURDAY EVENING.
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Lonely on the pale blue sky
Gleam faint streaks of crimson dye.
Gloriously the evening star
Looks upon us from afar;
Aid us o'er the changeful deep,
     God of power;
Bless the sailor's ocean-sleep
     At midnight's hour.

On the stilly twilight air
We would breathe our solemn prayer,—
Bless the dear ones of our home,
Guide us through the wild wave's foam,
To the light of those dear eyes,
Where our heart's best treasure lies,
To the love in one fond breast,
That unchanging home of rest!
Hear her when, at eventide,
     She kneels to pray
That God would bless, defend, and guide,
     Those far away!

Now the moon hath touched the sea,
And the waves, all tremblingly.
Throw towards heaven their silvery spray,
Happy in the gladdening ray;
Thus, Redeemer, let Thy love
Shine upon us from above:
Touched by Thee, our hearts will rise,
Grateful towards the glowing skies;
Guard us, shield us, mighty Lord,
     Thou dost not sleep;
Still the tempest with Thy word,
     Rule the deep!

Hymn for Saturday Evening.
Another week has passed away,
  Another Sabbath now draws near;
Lord, with Thy blessing crown the day,
  Which all thy children hold so dear!

Delivered from its weekly load,
  How light the happy spirit springs,
And soars to Thy divine abode
  With peace and freedom on its wings.