1864

"EXCEPT THE LORD BUILD THE HOUSE"

by William Cullen Bryant

EXCEPT THE LORD BUILD THE HOUSE -

Ancient of Days! except thou deign

Upon the finished task to smile,

The workman's hand hath toiled in vain,

To hew the rock and rear the pile. -

Oh, let thy peace, the peace that tames

The wayward heart, inhabit here,

That quenches passion's fiercest flames,

And thaws the deadly frost of fear. -

And send thy love, the love that bears

Meekly with hate, and scorn, and wrong,

And loads itself with generous cares,

And toils, and hopes, and watches long. -

Here may bold tongues thy truth proclaim,

Unmingled with the dreams of men,

As from His holy lips it came

Who died for us and rose again. - -