Shall we grow weary in our watch,

And murmur at the long delay,

Impatient of our Father’s time

And his appointéd way?

2 O, oft a deeper test of faith

Than prison-cell, or martyr’s stake,

The self-renouncing watchfulness

Of silent prayer may make.

3 We gird us bravely to rebuke

Our erring brother in the wrong;

And in the ear of pride and power

Our warning voice is strong.

4 Easier to smite with Peter’s sword,

Than watch one hour in humbling prayer;

Life’s great things, like the Syrian lord,

Our hearts can do and dare.

5 But, O, we shrink from Jordan’s side,

From waters which alone can save;

And murmur for Abana’s banks

And Pharpar’s brighter wave.

6 O thou, who in the garden’s shade

Didst wake thy weary ones again,

Who slumbered at that fearful hour,

Forgetful of thy pain—

7 Bend o’er us now, as over them,

And set our sleep-bound spirits free,

Nor leave us slumbering in the watch

Our souls should keep with thee!