Through the clouds that veil the sky,
Come, O sun, and sweetly smile!
Show thy glory to mine eye,
So my heart may beam the while.
Come, and chase this day of night,
For the world is sadly dim.
To thy blessed face of light
Let my spirit sing her hymn.
Now, in silence and alone,
I, to pass the heavy hour,
Sit and fancy nature's moan
After thy reviving power.
Blasts of wildered, wandering air,
Asking where thy face can be,
Chill and cheerless, every where,
Sighing, wailing, seek for thee.
Mourning o'er the earth is spread;
Bud and flower look pale with grief.
Sick, the plant has hung its head;
Dulness weighs on every leaf.
Not a bird is heard to sing.
Reft of thine inspiring ray.
As a lyre of every string,
Each from sight is hid away.
Sable clouds, that veil the blue
Of the skies, their shadows throw
Here, until their sombre hue
Gives a cast to all below.
Come, O sun, and through the gloom
Let thy beaming vesture fall!
Bringing music, joy and bloom,
Spread thy mantle o'er us all.
What were there on earth to love —
What were beauteous, bright, or dear,
Wert thou not so true above,
And thy holy influence here?