Watchman Tell Us Of The Night

"Hark, your watchmen lift up their voices;

together they sing for joy; for they shall see eye to eye

the return of the Lord to Zion."

Isaiah 52:8

Nativity Scene

Anton Raphael Mengs

(1728-1779)

Bohemian Neoclassical painter

Watchman tell us of the night, What its signs of promise are:

Traveler, o'er yon mountain's height, See that glory beaming star!

Watchman, doth its beauteous ray, Aught of joy or hope for-tell?

Traveler, yes; it brings the day,  Promised day of Israel.

Watchman tell us of the night;  Higher yet the star ascends:

Traveler, blessedness and light,  Peace and truth, its course portends.

Watchman, will its beams alone  Gild the spot that gave them birth?

Traveler, ages are its own,  And it bursts o'er all the earth!

Watchman, tell us of the night,  For morning seems to dawn:

Traveler, darkness takes its flight;  Doubt and terror are withdrawn.

Watchman, let thy wanderings cease;  Hie thee to thy quiet home.

Traveler, lo, the Prince of Peace,  Lo, the Son of God is come! Amen.

"Watchman Tell Us Of The Night"

(1825)

John Bowring

(1792-1872)

English poet and linguist