Framer of the earth and sky,
Ruler of the day and night,
With a glad variety
Tempering all and making light.
Gleams upon our dark path flinging,
Cutting short each night begun;
Now Thy herald cock is singing
To our chant, and calls the Sun.
And the morning star replies,
And unlocks the imprisoned day,
And the ungodly bandit flies
From his haunt and from his prey.
Shrill it sounds, the storm relenting
Soothes the weary seaman’s ears;
Once it wrought a great repenting.
When the Church’s rock shed tears.
Rouse we; let the blithesome cry
Of that bird our hearts awaken.
Chide the slumberers as they lie,
And convince the sin-o’ertaken.
Hope and health are in his strain
To the fearful and the ailing;
Murder sheathes his blade profane,
Faith revives where faith was failing.
Jesu, Master, when we sin.
Turn on us Thy healing face;
It will melt the offence within
Into penitential grace.
Beam on our bewildered mind,
Till its dreamy shadows flee;
Stones cry out where Thou hast shined,
Jesu, musical with Thee.