O Thou, to Whom in Ancient Time

Verse 1

O thou, to whom in ancient time the lyre of Hebrew bards was strung, whom kings adored in songs sublime, and prophets praised with glowing tongue:

Verse 2

not now on Zion's hill alone thy favored worshipers may dwell, nor where at sultry nooon thy Son sat weary by the patriarch's well.

Verse 3

For ev'ry place below the skies the grateful song, the fervent prayer, the incense of the heart may rise to heav'n and find acceptance there.

Verse 4

To thee shall age with snowy hair, and strength and beauty bow the knee, and childhood lisp with rev'rent air its praises and its prayers to thee.

Verse 5

O thou, to whom in ancient time the lyre of prophet bards was strung, to thee at last in ev'ry clime shall temples rise and praise be sung.