From Sheba a distant report

Verse 1

From Sheba a distant report Of Solomon's glory and fame, Invited the queen to his court, But all was outdone when she came; She cried with a pleasing surprise, When first she before him appeared, "How much, what I see with my eyes, Surpasses the rumor I heard."

Verse 2

When once to Jerusalem come, The treasure and train she had brought. The wealth she possessed at home, No longer had place in her thought: His house, his attendants, his throne, All struck her with wonder and awe; The glory of Solomon shone, In every object she saw.

Verse 3

But Solomon most she admired, Whose spirit conducted the whole; His wisdom, which God had inspired, His bounty and greatness of soul; Of all the hard questions she put, A ready solution he showed; Exceeded her wish and her suit, And more than she asked him bestowed.

Verse 4

Thus I when the gospel proclaimed The Savior's great name in my ears, The wisdom for which he is famed, The love which to sinners he bears; I longed, and I was not denied, That I in his presence might bow; I saw, and transported I cried, "A greater than Solomon thou!"

Verse 5

My conscience no comfort could find, By doubt and hard questions opposed; But he restored peace to my mind, And answered each doubt I proposed! Beholding me poor and distressed, His bounty supplied all my wants; My prayer could have ne'er expressed So much as this Solomon grants.

Verse 6

I heard, and was slow to believe, But now with my eyes I behold, Much more than my heart could conceive, Or language could ever have told: How happy thy servants must be, Who always before thee appear! Vouchsafe, Lord, this blessing to me, I find it is good to be here.