University of Virginia Library


96

Monday Complin.

Hymn VIII.

[Now, my Soul, the day is gone]

Now, my Soul, the day is gone,
Which in the morn was thine:
Now its glass no more shall run,
Its Sun no longer shine.
True, alas! the day is gone;
O were it only so:
Is't not lost as well as done?
Cast up thy counts and know.
Are we so much nearer heav'n,
As to the grave we bow?
Has our sorrow made all ev'n,
And clear'd the debts we ow?
From what vice have we refrain'd,
To break the course of sin?
What new vertue have we gain'd,
To make us rich within?
Time is well bestow'd on those
Who well their time bestow:
Whose main concern still forward goes;
Whose hopes still riper grow.
Who, when e're the clocks proclaim
Another hour is past,
Have an art to set their aim
And thoughts upon their Last.

97

That their last and happiest hour,
Which brings them to their home:
Where they sing, and bless the Pow'r
That made them thither come.
O my God, of life and death
The everliving King!
Since Thou giv'st to all their breath,
May all thy glory sing.
Glory, honour, pow'r and praise
To the mysterious Three:
As at first begining was,
May now, and ever be