What gladness shall possess our heart,
When we shall see these things;
What light and life in every part
Rise like eternal springs!
O, blessed face; O, holy grace,
When shall we see this day?
Lord, fetch us to this goodly place,
We humbly to thee pray.
Thus when in heavenly harmony
These blessed saints appear,
Adorned with grace and majesty,
What gladness will be there!
Thus shall we see, thus shall we be,
O, would the day were come:
Lord Jesus, take us up to thee,
To this desired home.
Angels we also shall behold,
When we on high ascend,
Each shining like to men of gold,
And on the Lord attend.
These goodly creatures, full of grace,
Shall stand about the throne,
Each one with lightning in his face,
And shall to us be known.
There cherubim, with one accord,
Continually do cry,
"Ah, holy, holy, holy Lord,
And heavenly majesty!"
These will us in their arms embrace,
And welcome us to rest,
And joy to see us clad with grace
And of the heavens possest.