Nothing fair on earth I see

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Nothing fair on earth I see

Author: Angelus Silesius (1657); Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1855)
Published in 7 hymnals

Representative Text

Nothing fair on earth I see
But I straightway think on Thee;
Thou art fairest in mine eyes,
Source in whom all beauty lies!

On Thy light I think at morn,
With the earliest break of dawn;
Think what glories lie in Thee,
Light of all Eternity!

When I watch the moon arise
'Mid heaven's thousand golden eyes,
Then I think, more glorious far
Is the Maker of yon star.

Or I cry in spring's sweet hours,
When the fields are gay with flowers,
As their varied hues I see,--
What must their Creator be!

When I wander by the stream,
Or beside the fountain dream,
Straight my thoughts take wing and mount
Up to Thee, the purest Fount.

Sweetly all the air is stirr'd
When the Echo's call is heard;
But no sounds my heart rejoice
Like to my Beloved's voice.

Take away then what could blind
Unto Thee my soul and mind;
Henceforth ever let my heart
See Thee, Saviour, as Thou art!

Source: Chorale Book for England, The #158

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Author: Angelus Silesius

Pen name of Johann Scheffler… Go to person page >

Translator: Catherine Winkworth

Catherine Winkworth (b. Holborn, London, England, 1827; d. Monnetier, Savoy, France, 1878) is well known for her English translations of German hymns; her translations were polished and yet remained close to the original. Educated initially by her mother, she lived with relatives in Dresden, Germany, in 1845, where she acquired her knowledge of German and interest in German hymnody. After residing near Manchester until 1862, she moved to Clifton, near Bristol. A pioneer in promoting women's rights, Winkworth put much of her energy into the encouragement of higher education for women. She translated a large number of German hymn texts from hymnals owned by a friend, Baron Bunsen. Though often altered, these translations continue to be used i… Go to person page >

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Text Information

Text Information

First Line:	Nothing fair on earth I see
German Title:	Keine Schönheit hat die Welt
Author:	Angelus Silesius (1657)
Translator:	Catherine Winkworth (1855)
Meter:	7.7.7.7
Language:	English
Copyright:	Public Domain