The song of Simeon; or, Death made desirable. Luke 2:27ff

Lord, at thy temple we appear,

As happy Simeon came,

And hope to meet our Savior here;

O make our joys the same!

With what divine and vast delight

The good old man was filled,

When fondly in his withered arms

He clasped the holy child!

|Now I can leave this world,| he cried,

|Behold, thy servant dies;

I've seen thy great salvation, Lord,

And close my peaceful eyes.

|This is the light prepared to shine

Upon the Gentile lands,

Thine Isr'el's glory, and their hope

To break their slavish bands.|

[Jesus! the vision of thy face

Hath overpowering charms;

Scarce shall I feel death's cold embrace,

If Christ be in my arms.

Then while ye hear my heart-strings breuk,

How sweet my minutes roll!

A mortal paleness on my cheek,

And glory in my soul.]