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64

A Masterpiece of Hymnody

Philipp Nicolai, 1599.

Wake, awake, for night is flying:

The watchmen on the heights are crying,

Awake, Jerusalem, arise!

Midnight’s solemn hour is tolling,

His chariot wheels are nearer rolling,

He comes; prepare, ye virgins wise.

Rise up with willing feet,

Go forth, the Bridegroom meet:

Alleluia!

Bear through the night your well trimmed light,

Speed forth to join the marriage rite.

Zion hears the watchmen singing,

And all her heart with joy is springing,

She wakes, she rises from her gloom;

Forth her Bridegroom comes, all-glorious,

The strong in grace, in truth victorious;

Her Star is risen, her Light is come!

All hail, Thou precious One!

Lord Jesus, God’s dear Son!

Alleluia!

The joyful call we answer all,

And follow to the nuptial hall.

Lamb of God, the heavens adore Thee,

And men and angels sing before Thee,

With harp and cymbal’s clearest tone.

By the pearly gates in wonder

We stand, and swell the voice of thunder,

That echoes round Thy dazzling throne.

To mortal eyes and ears

What glory now appears!

Alleluia!

We raise the song, we swell the throng,

To praise Thee ages all along.

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