Hark, my soul, how everything
Strives to serve our bounteous King:
Each a double tribute pays,
Sings its part, and then obeys.
Nature’s chief and sweetest quire
Him with cheerful notes admire;
Chanting every day their lauds,
While the grove their song applauds.
Though their voices lower be,
Streams have too their melody;
Night and day they warbling run,
Never pause, but still sing on.
All the flowers that gild the spring
Hither their still music bring;
If heaven bless them, thankful they
Smell more sweet, and look more gay.
Only we can scarce afford
This short office to our Lord:
We, on whom his bounty flows,
All things gives, and nothing owes.
Wake, for shame, my sluggish heart,
Wake, and gladly sing thy part:
Learn of birds, and springs, and flowers,
How to use thy nobler powers.
Call whole nature to thy aid,
Since ’twas He whole nature made;
Join in one eternal song,
Who to one God all belong.
Live for ever, glorious Lord!
Live by all thy works adored!
One in Three; and Three in One,
Thrice we bow to Thee alone.
(John Austin)
More Poetry from John Austin:
John Austin Poems based on Topics: Soul, Kings & Queens, Spring, Nature, Education, Night, Learning, Running, Birds, Flowers- Hymn XVII. Rise royal Sion! rise and sing (John Austin Poems)
- Hymn IV. Dear Jesu, when, when will it be, (John Austin Poems)
- Hymn XXXIX : Night forbear; alas, our Praise, (John Austin Poems)
- Wake now, my Soul, and humbly hear (John Austin Poems)
- Hymn XIII. Open thine eyes, my soul, and see (John Austin Poems)
- Hymn II. Wake my Soul, rise from this Bed (John Austin Poems)
Readers Who Like This Poem Also Like:
Based on Topics: Night Poems, Soul Poems, Nature Poems, Flowers Poems, Kings & Queens Poems, Birds Poems, Spring Poems, Education Poems, Running Poems, Learning PoemsBased on Keywords: lauds, applauds