Forth in the Dawn-Light (EN 2919)

1

Forth in the dawn-light, cool and sweet and tender,

While yet the dew-drops tremble on the flowers,

Seeking for lab’rers, One doth meekly wander,

Calling, still calling thro’ the quiet hours.

“Go, work today, the flush of early morning

Brightens the east, and day is coming on;

Go in the freshness of the day’s adorning,

Sure shall your hire be at the set of sun!”

2

Forth while the sun rides higher still in heaven,

Forth while the noon-tide’s fervid radiance glows,

Forth while the shadows lengthen t’ward the even,

Calling for lab’rers, still the Master goes;

“Go, work today! oh, wherefore yet delaying,

Stand ye still idle as the hours glide on?

Go, for the morning waits not for your staying,

Sure shall your hire be at the set of sun!”

3

Lord, we have heard Thee in our youth’s glad morning;

Lord, we still hear Thee in our noonday prime,

Hear Thee, and gladly, ease and pleasure scorning,

Gird us for service, lowly yet sublime;

Take us, ourselves to Thee we now surrender,

Take us, and use us till the day is done,

Gather us then in Thy embraces tender,

Such let our hire be at the set of sun!