Long had the darkness of ages surrounded
Earth and its sons, when the day-star on high
Broke from the mists, and with glory unbounded
Held its high course through the gratulant sky.
Angels of peace and of virtue attended,
Blessing and blest, as it moved on its way;
And in its glory that day-star ascended,
Lighting and cheering the world with its ray.
O'er us it shines, and shall shine on for ever,
Fixed like a sun in the centre of all;
Never shall darkness o'ershadow us-never
Sorrow and sadness our hearts shall appal.
Clouds may roll by-but they cannot conceal it;
Tempests may frown-they shall break into light;
Ages shall fly-but while flying shall hail it,
Shining and smiling in glory and might.