I

What joy of life abideth,

Without the smart of woe?

What glory lingers fadeless

Upon our world below?

II

All is a fleeting shadow,

And all a fitful gleam,

For death with cruel swiftness,

Dissolves the illusive dream.

III

O Christ a light unfailing,

A beauty lasting, rare,

Shines in Thy face to charm us,

And cheer us everywhere.

IV

Where Thou art aye abiding,

Where we that light may see,

Grant us, O Christ our Saviour,

For evermore to be.