Watchman, tell us of the night,

What its signs of promise are.

Traveler, o’er yon mountain’s hights

See that glory-beaming star!

2 Watchman, does its beauteous ray

Aught of joy or hope foretell?

Traveler, yes: it brings the day,

Promised day of Israel.

3 Watchman, tell us of the night;

Higher yet that star ascends.

Traveler, blessedness and light,

Peace and truth, its course portends.

4 Watchman, will its beams alone

Gild the spot that gave them birth?

Traveler, ages are its own:

See! it bursts o’er all the earth!

5 Watchman, tell us of the night,

For the morning seems to dawn.

Traveler, darkness takes its flight,

Doubt and terror are withdrawn.

6 Watchman, let thy wandering cease;

Hie thee to thy quiet home.

Traveler, lo! the Prince of Peace,

Lo! the Son of God is come!