 | Songs in many keys |  |
214
CHURCH BELLS.
I
When I hear the sweet bells ringingFrom the storied old church-tower,
Memories in my heart awaken
With a strange and thrilling power;
For the dead days rise before me,
When with friends I heard their chime,
And my soul is filled with yearnings
For that dear and happy time.
The sweet, sweet bells!
II
Yet again, each Sabbath holy,Peal their voices on the ear,
Calling people with their music,
Bidding them from far and near:—
Come, ye troubled souls and weary,
Lay your burdens down and rest,
215
Peace to every laden breast.
The soft, clear bells!
III
Oft I hear their joyous chimingFrom the belfry tower above,
Sending forth in jubilation
Tidings of new wedded love;
Thus they ring in pleasant changes,
Till the charmèd air around,
Thrilling with the golden message,
Throbs and quivers to the sound.
The strong, clear bells!
IV
Oft the iron tongue of curfewSmites the ear with measured roar,
Tells the hours are quickly passing,
That they were, but are no more;
Warns us we are so much nearer
To the Great and Awful Day,
That the tide of life is ebbing,
Calls us all to watch and pray.
The deep-toned bells!
216
V
Oft they toll in tones all solemn;Muffled peal and mournful knell
Bear to us a needed warning
In the sound of passing bell;
One more soul its flight hath taken,
One more spirit gone to God,
And the mortal on earth's bosom
Rests in peace below the sod.
The sad, sweet bells!
VI
Ring on! we are never wearyOf a voice that floats from heaven.
Ring on! for we love your cadence,
Heard at morn, or noon, or even.
Yes, we love the silver chiming
Of the solemn hallowed bells,
As they sound o'er moor or mountain,
Crowded town, or fragrant fells.
The sweet, sweet bells!
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