If God to build the house deny,

The builders work in vain;

And towns, without his wakeful eye,

A useless watch maintain.

Before the morning beams arise,

Your painful work renew;

And till the stars ascend the skies,

Your tiresome toil pursue;

Short be your sleep, and coarse your fare;

In vain, till God has blessed;

But if his smiles attend your care,

You shall have food and rest.

Nor children, relatives, nor friends,

Shall real blessings prove;

Nor all the earthly joys he sends,

If sent without his love.