Retirement.
1 Far from the world, O Lord! I flee,
From strife and tumult far;
From scenes where sin is waging still
Its most successful war.
2 The calm retreat, the silent shade,
With prayer and praise agree;
And seem by Thy sweet bounty made,
For those who follow Thee.
3 There, if Thy presence cheer the soul,
And grace her mean abode,
O, with what peace, and joy, and love,
She communes with her God!
4 There, like the nightingale, she pours
Her solitary lays;
Nor asks a witness of her song,
Nor thirsts for human praise.
5 Author and Guardian of my life,
Sweet source of light divine,
And,--all harmonious names in one,--
My Father! Thou art mine!