The New English Hymnal ‎#473a

473a. When morning gilds the skies

1 WHEN morning gilds the skies,
My heart awaking cries,
May Jesus Christ be praisèd:
Alike at work and prayer
To Jesus I repair;
May Jesus Christ be praisèd.

2 *The sacred minster bell
It peals o'er hill and dell,
May Jesus Christ be praisèd:
O hark to what it sings,
As joyously it rings,
May Jesus Christ be praisèd.

3 *My tongue shall never tire
Of chanting in the choir,
May Jesus Christ be praisèd:
The fairest graces spring
In hearts that ever sing,
May Jesus Christ be praisèd.

4 *When sleep her balm denies,
My silent spirit sighs,
May Jesus Christ be praisèd:
When evil thoughts molest,
With this I shield my breast,
May Jesus Christ be praisèd.

5 *Does sadness fill my mind?
A solace here I find,
May Jesus Christ be praisèd:
Or fades my earthly bliss?
My comfort still is this,
May Jesus Christ be praisèd.

6 The night becomes as day,
When from the heart we say,
May Jesus Christ be praisèd:
The powers of darkness fear,
When this sweet chant they hear,
May Jesus Christ be praisèd.

7 In heaven's eternal bliss
The loveliest strain is this,
May Jesus Christ be praisèd:
Let air, and sea, and sky
From depth to height reply,
May Jesus Christ be praisèd.

8 Be this, while life is mine,
My canticle divine,
May Jesus Christ be praisèd:
Be this the eternal song
Through all the ages on,
May Jesus Christ be praisèd.

Text Information

• First Line: When morning gilds the skies
• Translator: Edward Caswall, 1814-79
• Meter: 667 667D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: Morning
• Source: German, 19th century

Tune Information

• Name: O SEIGNEUR
• Composer: Louis Bourgeois, c. 1510-61
• Meter: 667 667D
• Key: D Major
• Source: Ps 3 in the Genevan Psalter of 1551
• Notes: Bourgeois composed or adapted the tune