O 'twas a joyful sound to hear

Verse 1

O 'twas a joyful sound to hear our tribes devoutly say, "Up, Israel! to the temple haste, and keep your festal day."

Verse 2

At Salem's courts we must appear with our assembled pow'rs, in strong and beauteous order ranged, like her united tow'rs.

Verse 3

O pray we then for Salem's peace; for they shall prosp'rous be, thou holy city of our God, who bear true love to thee.

Verse 4

May peace within thy sacred walls a constant guest be found; with plenty and prosperity thy palaces be crowned.

Verse 5

For my dear brethren's sake, and friends no less than brethren dear, I'll pray, "May peace in Salem's tow'rs a constant guest appear."

Verse 6

But most of all I'll seek thy good, and ever wish thee well, for Zion and the temple's sake, where God vouchsafes to dwell.