Go! and let my grave be made—

Tired and weary now with straying,

Farewell to the earth I’ve said,

Heaven’s call to peace obeying:

Calls me now the happy rest

Of the angels ever blest.

Go! and let my grave be made,

Since my days are now expended;

Let the pilgrim’s staff be laid

Where all earthly things are ended:

Then lay me too, even me,

In the bed from anguish free.

In the darksome valley, why

Find delight or occupation?

Since however great or high,

Proud or rich, may be our station,

All away, like sand, shall flit,

When the wind blows over it.

Therefore earth, farewell I say,

False the hopes from thee we borrow!

Let me now in peace away—

E’en thy very joy is sorrow;

Fleeting is thy beauty’s glow,

Vain deceit and empty show.

Therefore, now a last good night!

Sun, and moon, and stars of fire,

Farewell to your splendour bright!

Higher now I soar, far higher,

Where there is such glorious day,

Ye will vanish quite away.

Fare ye well, beloved friends!

Ye whose tears so fast are flowing;

God for all will make amends,

For our griefs are his bestowing:

Weep not joys that can’t endure,

Heavenly joys alone are sure.

Weep not that I bid farewell

To the world and all its errors,

Far from vanity to dwell,

Far from darkness and its terrors:

Weep not that I take my flight

To the land of endless light.

Weep not—lo! my Saviour there,

Mercy to my soul revealing;

I too have obtain’d a share

In his heart’s deep wounds so healing,

Whence the holy fountain stream’d,

Which this sinful world redeem’d.

Weep not—my Redeemer lives—

High above dark earth ascending,

Hope her heavenly comfort gives;

Faith stands by, her shield extending;

Love eternal whispers near,

‘Child of God, no longer fear.’