Sole star that glitterest in the crimson west,
'Fair child of beauty, glorious lamp of love
How cheerfully thou lookest from above,'
With what unblinking eye and jocund crest.
Yet grief from thee has passed into my breast,
For all surpassing glory needs must be
Full unto us sad perplexity,
Seen from this place of sin and sin's unrest.
Yea, all things which such perfect beauty own
As this of thine is, tempt us unto tears;
For whether thou sole-sittest on thy throne,
Or leadest choral dances of thy peers,
Thou and all nature, saving man alone,
Fulfil with music sweet your Maker's ears.
