When human hopes and joys depart,

I give thee, Lord, a contrite heart;

And on my weary spirit steal

The thoughts that pass all earthly weal.

2 I cast above my tearful eyes,

And muse upon the starry skies;

And think that he who governs there

Still keeps me in his guardian care.

3 I gaze upon the opening flower,

Just moistened with the evening shower;

And bless the love which made it bloom,

To chase away my transient gloom.

4 I think, whene’er this mortal frame

Returns again to whence it came,

My soul shall wing its happy flight

To regions of eternal light.