Since first thy word awaked my heart,
Like new life dawning o'er me,
Where'er I turn my eyes, Thou art
All light and love before me.
Nought else I feel or hear or see,
All bonds of earth I sever,
Thee, O God, and only thee,
I live for now and ever.
Like him whose fetters dropped away
When light shone o'er his prison,
My spirit, touched by mercy's ray,
Hath from her chains arisen.
And shall a soul Thou bid'st be free
Return to bondage? Never!
Thee, O God, and only thee,
I live for now and ever.
--Thomas Moore.