Dear God, before Thee many weep
And bow the solemn knee;
But I who have thy joy to keep
Will sing and dance for Thee.
Come, lilt ye, lilt ye, lightsome birds,
For ye are glad as I;
Come frisk, ye sunlit flocks and herds
And cherubs of the sky;
Sweet elfin mischief of the hill,
We'll share a laugh together--
Oh half the world is hoyden still,
And waits for whistling weather!
The God of age is staid and old,
And asks a sober tongue;
But till the heart of youth is cold
The God of youth is young!
Then kiss, blithe lass and happy lad!
The rainbow passes over,
And love and life, the leal and glad,
Must step with time the rover.
Trip buds and bells in spangled ways!
Leap, leaves in every tree!
Ye winds and waters, nights and days,
Dance, dance for Deity.
On every hand is elfin land,
And faery gifts are falling;
Across the world, a twinkling band,
The elves are calling--calling.
In welcome smile the witching skies,
And with a jocund train,
With dancing joy-light in His eyes,
God, God comes home again!