How long, O Lord, our Saviour,

Wilt thou remain away?

Our hearts are growing weary

Of thy so long delay;

O when shall come the moment,

When brighter far than morn,

The sunshine of thy glory,

Shall on thy people dawn.

2 How long, O gracious Master,

Wilt thou thy household leave?

So long hast thou now tarried,

Few thy return believe.

Immersed in sloth and folly,

Thy servants, Lord, we see,

And few of us stand ready

With joy to welcome thee.

3 How long, O heavenly Bridegroom,

How long wilt thou delay?

And yet how few are grieving

That thou dost absent stay:

Thy very bride, her portion

And calling hath forgot,

And seeks for ease and glory

Where thou, her Lord, art not.

4 O wake thy slumbering virgins,

Send forth the solemn cry—

Let all thy saints repeat it—

The Bridegroom draweth nigh;

May all our lamps be burning,

Our loins well girded be,

Each longing heart preparing

With joy thy face to see.