The Clanging Bells of Time

Verse 1

O the clanging bells of Time! Night and day they never cease; We are wearied with their chime, For they do not bring us peace; And we hush our breath to hear, And we strain our eyes to see, If thy shores are drawing near,— Eternity! If thy shores are drawing near,— Eternity!

Verse 2

O the clanging bells of Time! How their changes rise and fall, But in under tone sublime, Sounding clearly thro’ them all, Is a voice that must be heard, As our moments onward flee, And it speaketh aye one word,— Eternity! And it speaketh aye one word,— Eternity!

Verse 3

O the clanging bells of Time! To their voices loud and low, In a long, unresting line We are marching to and fro; And we yearn for sight or sound, Of the light that is to be, For the breath doth wrap us round,— Eternity! For the breath doth wrap us round,— Eternity!

Verse 4

O the clanging bells of Time! Soon their notes will all be dumb, And in joy and peace sublime, We shall feel the silence come; And our souls their thirst will slake, And our eyes the King will see, When thy glorious morn shall break,— Eternity! When thy glorious morn shall break,— Eternity!